Ahmedabad: Notorious criminal Dharmendrasinh alias Dhama Barad was shot in the leg during a Crime Branch operation to arrest him in the Sola area on Monday. The accused, who is involved in 26 serious offences, including murder, attempt to murder, extortion, robbery, rioting, and violations of the Arms Act and Prohibition Act, was wanted in a case registered at Krishnanagar police station under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GujCTOC) Act.

Police said the incident took place around 7 pm on the main road near Sola Bhagwat when a Crime Branch team led by Inspector Mehul Chauhan attempted to apprehend Barad. According to officials, Barad allegedly resisted detention, leading to a scuffle with the officer. During the altercation, a shot was fired from Chauhan’s service pistol, striking Barad in the left foot.

“A Crime Branch team had intercepted the accused and was attempting to take him into custody. During the process, he allegedly got into a physical struggle and tried to snatch the officer’s firearm. One round was discharged during the scuffle, resulting in an injury to his leg,” a senior Crime Branch official said.

The gunshot caused panic in the area as motorists slowed down and pedestrians rushed away from the scene. Police personnel quickly secured the area before shifting the injured accused to Sola Civil Hospital.

Officials said Barad has a long criminal record, with multiple cases registered against him across Ahmedabad and surrounding areas. His alleged offences include murder, attempt to murder, extortion, rioting, dacoity, Arms Act violations, and prohibition-related offences.

Police records show that most cases against him were registered at Krishnanagar police station, while other cases are pending at Bapunagar, Nikol, and Naroda police stations, apart from the city Crime Branch.

The Crime Branch had reportedly been searching for Barad in connection with a recent attempt-to-murder case. However, officials have not yet clarified whether the incident would be treated as an accidental discharge or police firing during resistance to arrest. DeshGujarat