GujCTOC accused shot at near Sola Bhagwat

Ahmedabad: Dharmendrasinh Barad, an accused wanted in an attempt-to-murder case, was shot in the foot during a crime branch operation near Sola Bhagwat on Monday evening, leading to panic among commuters and bystanders during peak traffic hours. Officers said the incident occurred around 7pm on the main road near Sola Bhagwat when a team led by inspector Mehul Chauhan attempted to detain Barad, wanted in the case registered at Krishnanagar police station under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GujCTOC) Act.

Police said Barad allegedly resisted detention, following which a scuffle broke out between him and Chauhan. During the struggle, a shot was fired from the inspector’s service pistol, hitting Barad in the left foot.

“A crime branch team had intercepted the accused and was trying to take him into custody. During this, he allegedly engaged in a physical struggle and attempted to grab the officer’s pistol. One round was fired in the scuffle and the accused suffered an injury to his leg,” a senior crime branch officer said.

The sound of the gunshot caused panic as motorists slowed down and pedestrians moved away. Witnesses said police personnel quickly cordoned off the area while the injured accused was taken to Sola Civil Hospital.

Officials said Barad has multiple criminal cases registered against him in several police stations in Ahmedabad and nearby areas. According to police records, cases against him include offences related to murder, attempt to murder, extortion, rioting, dacoity, violations of the Arms Act and prohibition rules.

Police said a majority of the cases against Barad were registered at Krishnanagar police station. He also has cases registered with Bapunagar, Nikol and Naroda police stations besides the city crime branch.

Police said the crime branch was on the lookout for Barad in connection with a recent attempt-to-murder offence. Officers did not clarify if the firing would be treated as accidental discharge or police firing during resistance to arrest.