Surat: Eight murders in just 12 days and a spike in violent crimes involving sharp-edged weapons have shaken the Surat police department, prompting an intensified drive against armed history-sheeters and anti-social elements across the city,With criminals making a mockery of the law and order, the Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested 72 persons found carrying swords, knives and daggers from different parts of Surat. Police also detained an externed criminal who was allegedly continuing to stay in the city despite being ordered to leave.Deputy commissioner of police (SOG) Rajdeep Nakum said the accused were booked under the Gujarat Police Act for carrying prohibited weapons. “. Many of them are involved in serious offences such as murder, attempt to murder, theft, snatching, loot and NDPS cases,” Nakum said.The accused were apprehended from areas including Limbayat, Udhna, Chowk Bazar, Athwa, Bhestan, Puna, Mahidharpura, Godadara, Rander, Salabatpura, Adajan, and Lalgate.The operation was carried out by multiple SOG teams.Police said the highest number of weapons were seized from Limbayat (14), followed by Bhestan (13), Salabatpura (11), Rander (9) and Godadara (6).Nakum said further action against armed criminals would continue in the coming days.27 more held with weapons in AmroliAmroli police also conducted a combing operation in Kosad Awas on Tuesday night following the recent rise in violent crimes. During the drive, Amroli police booked 27 persons for possessing sharp weapons and detained around 70 persons for various offences, police said.ends
