Surat: In a major crackdown, the Surat Police Commissioner has intensified action under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) not only against notorious anti-social elements but also against so-called “white-collar criminals.” As part of this drive, 25 individuals, including diamond traders, moneylenders, and extortionists, have been booked under PASA and sent to various jails.

To curb rising crime in the city, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot has invoked PASA as a key tool. Alongside habitual bootleggers and gamblers, strict action has also been taken against white-collar criminals involved in fraud within the textile and diamond markets, as well as moneylenders exploiting the public.

As part of this action, Pinkesh Jayesh Jadawala (35), a trader from Times Galaxy, Jahangirpura Canal Road, accused of large-scale cheating in the diamond market, has been sent to Bhuj Jail. Two moneylenders, Arvind Kanu Khatana (Rabari) and Laxman Motilal Thakur, have been lodged in Rajkot Central Jail under PASA.

In other cases, Imran Ismail Qureshi, accused of stealing buffaloes in Sachin GIDC, slaughtering them, and selling the meat, has been sent to Ahmedabad Central Jail. Rafique alias Supdu Rasid Qureshi has been shifted to Mehsana Jail under PASA. Two men accused of abducting minors after luring them into relationships — Vishal Ramchandra Patil and Rupesh Kala Thakor — have also been sent to Ahmedabad Central Jail.

Further, Viti Chetan Zaveri, who allegedly extorted money from street food vendors in Vesu after eating for free, has been lodged in Ahmedabad Jail. Abhishek Singh alias Chinese Tejbahadur Singh, accused of committing robbery at gunpoint in Limbayat, has also been sent to Ahmedabad Jail.

Others booked under PASA include Akash Bahare, Kailas Mali, Ali Ansari, Jeevan Gamit, Mohammad Farheen Alvi, Rafiyuddin Sheikh, Sahil Sheikh, Ugamsingh Rajput, Nasir Ansari, Rohit Devipujak, Irshad Qureshi, Sanjay Maliyo, Vinod Meda, Imran Qureshi, Sonu Malik, Salim Foot, and Angel Gamit. These individuals face charges ranging from sexual harassment and assault to mobile snatching.

In total, the city police have acted against 25 such accused under PASA in an effort to curb crime and maintain law and order. DeshGujarat