Surat
Accused persons in the custody
Surat: Police invoked the stringent Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GujCTOC) against nine members of the Rakesh Wagh gang, including its leader, Rakesh Wagh. The gang members collectively face more than 75 criminal cases registered at various police stations across Surat.ACP of I Division and the Sachin police inspector sought the court’s permission to invoke GujCTOC in connection with a recent robbery case. The court granted the request, following which police arrested Wagh and two of his aides from Lajpore Central Jail. The trio has been remanded in police custody till June 29.Those booked are Wagh, Subodh Ramani, Raj Patil, Sefar Ansari, Prince Patel, Roshan Barkash, Anand Patil, Rohan Rathod and Anil Sapkale.ACP (I Division) N P Gohil told TOI, “Wagh, Ramani, Ansari and Raj Patil attacked a man over a dispute involving payment for paan masala. They also assaulted people who intervened to rescue the complainant. Since they used sharp weapons and committed robbery during the incident, Sachin police registered an offence last month. Investigation revealed other gang members were also involved.”According to police, the gang has a long history of serious criminal activity. The nine accused together have more than 75 offences registered against them, including charges of loot, robbery, extortion, theft, Arms Act violations, prohibition offences and criminal intimidation.Wagh alone has 24 criminal cases registered against him. Surat Police Commissioner invoked the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) against him four times since 2023.Subodh Ramani has 12 criminal cases registered against him, while Rohan Rathod faces eight cases and Anil Sapkale 10. Several gang members have previously been detained under PASA.“We have arrested Wagh, Ansari and Ramani from Lajpore jail on transfer warrants in the GujCTOC case and obtained their custody till June 29. Raj Patil and Roshan Barkash are absconding and yet to be arrested. The remaining four accused are currently in jail and will be formally arrested in the case soon,” Gohil said.
