Godhra: More than six months after a violent mob vandalised the Godhra City B Division Police Station, police have arrested the main accused, social media influencer Zakir Ahmed Zabha, from Bhiwandi in Maharashtra.

The incident dates back to September 2025, when a video featuring Zabha went viral following his visit to the police station. Shortly thereafter, a large mob gathered outside the premises, surrounded the station, vandalised the police post, set parts of it on fire, and burned official documents. Police subsequently registered a rioting case against over 300 individuals, including Zabha.

Zabha had been absconding since the incident. Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team of the Panchmahal Local Crime Branch (LCB) and Special Operations Group (SOG) traced him to Bhiwandi, where he was reportedly working as a labourer while in hiding. Upon reaching the location, police teams conducted surveillance and disguised themselves to avoid detection. He was eventually tracked down and arrested from Hotel Ana Sagar on Nashik Road after being surrounded by the police team.

Panchmahal District Police Chief Dr Hareshbhai Dudhat stated that the accused was brought back to Godhra and handed over to the B Division Police Station for further legal proceedings. Zabha was produced before a court on April 8, where police sought a 14-day remand. However, the Godhra Sessions Court granted a 10-day remand for further investigation.

135 Arrested So Far

According to police, the unrest was triggered after Zabha, who had been called to the police station for questioning over a controversial viral video, later released another video alleging police assault. This led to large-scale violence, with the mob pelting stones, damaging police property, and setting official records on fire.

So far, 135 accused have been arrested in connection with the case, while around 180 individuals remain absconding. DeshGujarat