Habitual offender with 14 cases held after decoy operation by Danilimda police

In a well-planned operation, the Danilimda police arrested a habitual offender, identified as Taufiq Salimbhai Sheikh, also known as Pathan (30), near the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The accused, who had been evading arrest for months, was nabbed after a female police officer posed as an acquaintance and lured him to the spot through social media contact.

According to the police, a case was registered on June 15, 2025, under Sections of the BNS and Section of the Gujarat Police Act, naming Taufiq and two unidentified persons as accused. Investigators traced Taufiq’s identity through the e-Gujkop database, identifying him as a resident of Ganeshnagar, Narol, in Ahmedabad city.

Repeated raids at his residence proved unsuccessful, following which police discovered that he was also wanted in another case lodged at Narol Police Station.

Danilimda police, with the assistance of their technical and surveillance teams, launched a search operation to trace him. Female personnel from the team established contact with Taufiq on social media and convinced him to meet near the Sabarmati Riverfront. When the accused arrived on his scooter and invited the female officer to accompany him, she signalled her team, leading to his swift arrest.

Police have recovered a knife, two mobile phones worth ₹15,000, an Activa scooter worth ₹20,000, and ₹2,500 in cash from his possession.

A history of repeated offences

Investigations have revealed that Taufiq is a repeat offender with 14 criminal cases registered against him across various police stations in Ahmedabad. His criminal record includes snatching (5 cases), robbery (1 case), theft (2 cases), robbery with kidnapping and assault (9 cases), and offences under the Prisoners Act (1 case).

He has previously been detained twice under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act and has served jail terms in Bhuj and Surat.

Cases against him are spread across Ahmedabad Railway, Bapunagar, Gomtipur, Kagdapith, Paldi, Ranip, Narol, and Kalupur police stations.

The Danilimda police said that the interrogation of Taufiq has led to the identification of his two accomplices in the recent case, and further investigation is underway to trace and apprehend them.