Two former opposition leaders in JMC booked under GujCTOC

Rajkot: In a major crackdown on organised crime, the Jamnagar police have invoked the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GujCTOC) against two former opposition leaders in the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) and members of their gangs. In all, 29 individuals have been booked under the stringent law, with 14 arrests made so far.Police have taken action against former opposition leader Aslam Khilji and 18 members of his gang, registering an offence at the Jamnagar City ‘A' Division police station. Jamnagar superintendent of police Dr Ravi Mohan Saini said 13 accused, including Khilji, have been arrested, while a manhunt was underway to trace five absconding suspects. Investigations have revealed that Khilji and his associates have allegedly been involved in criminal activities since 2005, he added.According to police records, as many as 46 cases have been registered against Khilji and his gang members. These include serious offences such as murder, attempt to murder, assault, rioting, criminal conspiracy, damage to public property, atrocities, gambling, land grabbing and violations under the Arms Act.In a parallel action, police have also booked former opposition leader Altaf Khafi and his associates under GujCTOC. A total of 52 cases have been registered against Altaf and his gang, including charges of attempted murder, extortion, criminal intimidation, assault, rioting, conspiracy, violations of the Money Lenders Act, Arms Act and NDPS Act, as well as murder.One accused, identified as Sahid Khafi, has been arrested in connection with the Khafi gang. Altaf and eight others are currently in jail and will be subjected to further interrogation. Police teams are searching for two more suspects linked to the gang.Investigators said Altaf and his associates have allegedly been active in organised crime since 2008. Officials added that further action will follow as the probe progresses.