Zakir Ahmed Jhaba, the main suspect in a significant rioting case linked to an incident at Godhra City’s B Division Police Station last September, has been apprehended after evading authorities for half a year and is now in police custody.
A collaborative effort between the Godhra Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Local Crime Branch (LCB) led to Jhaba’s capture in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. Subsequently, he was presented before the Godhra Sessions Court, which granted a 10-day remand, although the police had initially requested a 14-day remand.
According to Panchmahal district SP Haresh Dudhat, Jhaba, known as a social media influencer, was asked to visit the police station before the festive season to be cautioned against uploading contentious videos. However, after leaving the station, he posted a video falsely alleging mistreatment by the police for creating a video featuring an ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster, which triggered public outrage and a gathering at the police station.
Dudhat mentioned that more than 300 FIRs have been filed in connection with this incident, with CCTV footage indicating Jhaba’s presence in a nearby hotel shortly after the controversial video was filmed. Presently, 135 individuals have been arrested, while approximately 180 suspects are still at large in this case.
The successful arrest of Jhaba is seen as a significant achievement by the Godhra police, who diligently pursued him over an extended period. The suspect has been formally transferred to the Godhra City B Division Police for further legal procedures, facing charges of incitement and promoting violence, with ongoing interrogation proceedings.
