Ahmedabad, July 13 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Police’s Local Crime Branch (LCB) Zone-7 on Monday arrested an alleged kingpin of the notorious “Madari Gang”, a habitual offender who was wanted in three criminal cases across Gujarat and had allegedly been absconding for the past 10 months, as part of a special drive launched ahead of the Rath Yatra to apprehend fugitives and strengthen law and order.

The accused has been identified as Amarnath Padhiyar alias “Madari”, 37, a resident of Bholeshwar Society in Himatnagar, Sabarkantha district, originally from Ganeshpura village in Dahegam taluka, Gandhinagar district.

According to the officials, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner and Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-1) had directed officers to prepare a special action plan to arrest the absconding accused and tighten security arrangements to ensure the Rath Yatra is conducted peacefully and in a harmonious atmosphere while maintaining law and order.

Acting on these instructions, Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivam Verma directed police stations under Zone-7 and the Local Crime Branch to intensify efforts using human intelligence and technical surveillance to trace wanted offenders, deter criminal activity, and enhance public safety.

During a patrol, a team led by PSI H.D. Vaghela received specific intelligence through ASI Nasrullakhan, Head Constable Mahendrasinh and Police Constable Irfanbhai. Based on the information, the team apprehended Padhiyar from the Sarkhej police station area on Sunday.

“The accused had previously been arrested in nine criminal cases registered in different districts of Gujarat and was currently wanted in three cases registered at Gandhigram and Pradhyuman Nagar police stations in Rajkot city, and Valsad Rural police station,” the official said.

The pending cases have been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 318(4), 61 and 54.

Investigators said Padhiyar has a long criminal record dating back to 2019, with cases registered in Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Navsari and Mehsana.

His alleged offences include cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft and related offences under the Indian Penal Code, as well as cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police said legal action has been initiated against the accused.

–IANS

mys/dan