In a breakthrough, the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) in Vadodara arrested two alleged members of the Qasam Ala gang who had been absconding for nearly a year in connection with a jewellery theft case in Dabhoi.
The accused, Waseem Khan Pathan of Karelibaug and Gani Sheikh of Hathikhana, were wanted for allegedly stealing a gold necklace worth over ₹88,000 outside a party plot in February last year.
Acting on specific intelligence, DCB sleuths kept surveillance in the Hathikhana area and apprehended the duo. During questioning, police recovered a gold chain from their possession, which was later linked to the Dabhoi theft.
Long Criminal Records
Police said both accused are history-sheeters with extensive criminal backgrounds. Pathan is allegedly involved in more than 20 theft cases and is known for targeting storage compartments of two-wheelers. Investigators claim he has been committing such crimes for nearly two decades and had previously been detained under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA).
Sheikh also has over 22 cases registered against him, including robbery, theft, chain-snatching, extortion, assault, criminal intimidation, and gambling. He has reportedly been detained under PASA five times in the past.
Authorities stated that over the past year, they have intensified action against organised gangs operating in the city. Further investigation into the duo’s involvement in other cases is underway.
