Prohibition case fugitive held after UAE deports him

Ahmedabad: The state monitoring cell of Gujarat Police has arrested Taufiq Khan, the main accused wanted in a prohibition case, after he was deported by the United Arab Emirates. Officials said that under the direct supervision of Nirlipt Rai, the inspector general of police, state monitoring cell, as well as the guidance of K T Kamariya, superintendent of police, the cell in March 2024 took over investigation of the case in Bavlu, Mehsana. The case involved violation of the Prohibition Act and seizure of illegal substances and monetary assets.Probe revealed that Khan had left the country using an Indian passport. His travel history obtained from the immigration department showed his departure to Dubai. The Special Operations Group stated that a Look Out Circular and a Red Corner Notice were issued through Interpol. Based on this, a provisional arrest request was sent to Dubai. The UAE govt deported Khan on March 2, and a team was dispatched to Kochi in Kerala, where the accused was detained at the international airport and brought to the state monitoring cell's office.SOG officials said that Khan is a member of a gang led by notorious gangster Anil Pandya, involved in illegal liquor supply in Gujarat. The gang is involved in numerous offences, including prohibition violations. Khan played a significant role in smuggling and supplying illegal substances in Gujarat, police said.