Junagadh police book ‘Bangla gang’ under GujCTOC Act

Rajkot: Junagadh district police have invoked the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime (GujCTOC) Act against the notorious ‘Bangla gang' for its alleged involvement in organized crime. Police said this comes after a series of crimes such as murder, attempted murder, theft, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, assault, Arms Act violations and gambling were linked to the gang. Ravirajsinh Parmar, deputy superintendent of police for Junagadh rural division, told TOI that the gang is also accused of illegally acquiring houses and land from citizens. On Thursday, a case under GujCTOC was registered against Bhavin Rabari, Karsan Rabari, Dilip Rabari, Nilesh Rabari and Lakho Rabari at Junagadh Taluka police station by inspector Krunal Patel of the local crime branch. Karsan, who faces eight cases, has been apprehended, while a search for the others is underway. Bhavin, who is from Sargwada village in Junagadh district, has 14 criminal cases against him, mainly for violent crimes. Dilip Rabari faces seven cases, including kidnapping and violations of the Gujarat Money Lenders Act. Nilesh Rabari is accused in 10 cases, including attempted murder and violations of the Arms Act. Lakho Rabari faces nine cases, including murder and rioting. The preliminary investigation revealed 30 complaints against the accused, with 14 crimes showing connections among the gang. The gang is alleged to have illegally acquired properties and bought a bungalow on Zanzarda Road with illicitly obtained wealth, which served as their gathering place. The gang thus began to identify itself as "Bangla gang".