Police detain 31 under PASA ahead of SMC polls

Surat: Police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut initiated action under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) against habitual offenders to maintain law and order, prevent untoward incidents and ensure that the local self-govt elections are conducted peacefully.Over the past eight days, 31 persons have been detained under PASA and sent to jails in Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Rajkot and Mehsana. They were allegedly involved in offences such as sexual harassment, cyberfraud, assault, vehicle theft, house burglary, mobile snatching and prohibition-related activities. Those sent to jail include 10 accused involved in cases of assault. Among them are Sadik Shaikh and Meetsinh Padhiyar, who were previously booked for attempted murder in Salabatpura and Varachha police station areas respectively. Manzur Hassan Sheikh, accused of helping route cyberfraud money by using bank accounts of poor citizens in exchange for cash, has been detained under PASA and sent to the Special Jail in Bhuj. Deepak Mali, accused in cases of molestation and sexual harassment of women in Surat, has also been sent to the Special Jail in Bhuj. Ankit Thakor, a loan shark accused of lending money at extortionate interest rates and threatening victims with a knife even after repayment, has been sent to Rajkot jail. "Strict action under PASA will be taken against persons who may obstruct the maintenance of law and order during the upcoming elections," an official said. So far this year, a total of 257 accused have been detained under PASA.
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