Ahmedabad Crime Branch JCP Injured as Wanted Accused attacks police during Chandola Lake raid

A history-sheeter with more than 30 criminal cases against him was shot in the leg by Ahmedabad Crime Branch Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) Sharad Singhal in an act of self-defence after he allegedly attacked senior police officers with a kitchen knife during interrogation on Thursday.

Illegal weapons recovered during operation

According to the Crime Branch, officers acting on specific intelligence apprehended Mahmand Kaleem alias Kaleem Bhaiya Akbar Khan Pathan (34), a resident of Isanpur, for allegedly possessing illegal weapons.

Police recovered four illegal weapons from his possession before bringing him in for questioning.

Knife attack during interrogation

The interrogation was jointly conducted by JCP (Crime) Sharad Singhal and Police Inspector Ghasura.

Police said Kaleem suddenly turned violent during questioning. Despite having already been searched, the accused allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife from the premises while under the influence of narcotic substances and attacked the officers.

JCP Singhal sustained a sharp-force injury to his left hand during the assault.

JCP fires in self-defence

Police said the officer fired one round from his service pistol in the lawful exercise of his right to private self-defence.

The bullet struck Kaleem in the leg, bringing the situation under control.

Both the injured JCP and the accused were immediately shifted to hospital. Police said both are in stable condition.

'He didn't know I was the JCP'

Clarifying the incident, JCP Sharad Singhal said the accused was unaware he was a senior police officer because he was dressed in plain clothes.

"The accused did not know I was the JCP (Crime). He had already been searched, but he was allegedly under the influence of drugs. He picked up a kitchen knife, attacked me and caused an injury to my left hand. I then fired at his leg in self-definitions," he said.

Over 30 criminal cases

Police described Kaleem as a habitual offender with a criminal record spanning nearly a decade.

According to official records, he has been booked in more than 30 cases, including: attempt to murder, assault, robbery, theft, illegal possession of weapons, gambling, and arms act offences.

Police said several preventive actions had also been taken against him in the past.

Further investigation underway

Investigators said Kaleem studied up to Class VII and worked as a labourer. He lives with his family in Musamiani Chali, Isanpur.

Police added that he had previously been arrested in multiple arms-related cases and was known to associate with other criminal elements in Ahmedabad.

Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the seized weapons and examine his wider criminal network.