The Ahmedabad Police apprehended a 42-year-old man, Sultan alias Manoj Kumar, who had absconded after receiving a 20-year prison term for crimes under the POCSO Act, rape, and the SC/ST Act. The arrest took place during a special operation before the Rath Yatra festival to locate missing offenders and enhance law enforcement. Acting on directives from senior police officials, a coordinated effort was made to track down wanted criminals and maintain public safety.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivam Verma instructed the Local Crime Branch and police stations to devise a strategic plan using human intelligence and technology to find the fugitive. The breakthrough occurred when a police team led by Sub-Inspector H.D. Vaghela, comprising Head Constables Nashrullakhan and Mahendrasinh, along with Police Constable Irfan, received specific intelligence that led to the arrest. The accused had reportedly escaped from the court after being convicted by the Seventh Additional District and Sessions Judge in Ahmedabad (Rural).
The arrested individual faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, POCSO Act, and SC/ST Act. This arrest follows recent efforts by the Gujarat police to capture fugitives, including the apprehension of a convict in the 1992 Radhika Gymkhana massacre case who had been on the run for seven years. Additionally, authorities had launched a search for a convict who escaped from Sabarmati Central Jail while serving sentences for murder and POCSO cases.
