Sarkhej Police arrest alleged ‘Mastani gang’ leader, send him to Bhuj jail under PASA

Police arrest Bhavesh Rabari, alleged leader of Patan-based Jilia gang, following order under Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act

Sarkhej Police have arrested 30-year-old Bhavesh Baldevbhai Rabari, alleged leader of the Jilia, also known as ‘Mastani’, gang, under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) and sent him to Palara Jail in Bhuj, police said.

According to a press note issued by Sarkhej Police on September 2, Rabari, a resident of Jilia village in Chanasma taluka of Patan district, was arrested by the police surveillance team following a PASA detention order issued by the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner.

Police said Rabari had allegedly been involved in several criminal cases, including offences relating to moneylending, assault and attempted murder. He was also allegedly associated with a gang involved in coercive recovery of money from people.

The latest preventive action comes in connection with allegations that Rabari had continued his criminal activities after being released on bail in a case involving an attack on a land broker near Karnavati Club in Ahmedabad.

According to police, on the evening of December 25, a land broker, Manoj Rathod, was present at an office near Khetlapa Tea Stall, close to Karnavati Club, when Rabari, Devram and four unidentified men allegedly entered the premises armed with swords, pipes and knives.

The accused allegedly attacked Rathod on his abdomen, both hands, back and legs in what police described as an attempt to kill him. Rathod sustained serious injuries and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the attack was linked to a dispute over money borrowed at a high rate of interest. During the investigation, it allegedly emerged that Rathod had borrowed ₹60 lakh from Bhargav Baldev Desai at an interest rate of 30% at different times in 2023. He had also allegedly borrowed money after pledging cars belonging to his friends.

Although Rathod had subsequently repaid the principal and interest, police said, members of the alleged moneylending group continued to demand money and threaten him.

Police further said the land broker had been attacked by members of the alleged moneylending gang in April 2025 and had subsequently lodged a complaint, following which the accused were arrested. The latest attack was allegedly carried out by Rabari after his release from jail as retaliation for that complaint.

Sarkhej Police said more than 20 cases relating to moneylending, assault and attempted murder have been registered against Rabari.

Following the PASA order, a surveillance team, arrested Rabari and took him into custody. He was subsequently sent to Palara Jail, Bhuj, under the preventive detention order.