Mastani gang’s reign of terror in Ahmedabad: Loan shark held for attempted murder of land broker

The arrest of a notorious loan shark by the Sarkhej police has once again brought into focus the violent methods employed by the so-called Mastani gang, which police say has been terrorising residents through illegal moneylending and brutal recovery tactics. The accused allegedly attempted to murder a land broker in a revenge attack shortly after being released from jail.

Police said Bhavesh Rabari, a known loan shark, has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder case in which a land broker was attacked with swords, knives and iron pipes. The assault, investigators say, was carried out to avenge an earlier complaint lodged by the victim against the loan shark and his associates.

According to the police, the incident occurred on the evening of December 25, when land broker Manoj Rathod was seated at an office named Dharm, located close to Karnavati Club. At around that time, Bhavesh Rabari, along with Devram and four unidentified associates, allegedly stormed into the office armed with deadly weapons. The attackers assaulted Rathod, inflicting serious injuries on his abdomen, both arms, waist and legs, in what police described as a clear attempt to kill him.

Rathod, who sustained grievous injuries, was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Following the attack, Sarkhej police registered a case of attempted murder and illegal moneylending and arrested Bhavesh Rabari.

Confirming the arrest, ACP A B Valand of M Division said the assault was the result of long-standing enmity stemming from a moneylending dispute.

Police investigations revealed that in 2023, Rathod had borrowed nearly Rs 60 lakh from Bhargav Baldev Desai at an interest rate of 30%. Additional loans were taken by mortgaging cars belonging to Rathod’s friends. Police said Rathod had repaid the entire amount along with the agreed interest. However, despite full repayment, members of the loan shark gang allegedly continued to threaten him and demandedmore money.

In April 2025, the gang allegedly attacked Rathod, following which he lodged a police complaint that led to the arrest and imprisonment of several accused, including Rabari. Police believe the December attack was carried out as an act of revenge after Rabari secured bail and was released from jail.

Police records show that Rabari is a habitual offender, with more than 13 criminal cases registered against him, including charges of usury, assault and attempted murder. Investigators say he operates a loan shark racket under the banner of the Mastani gang, using intimidation and violent “Pathani-style” recoveries to extort money from borrowers.

ACP Valand said Sarkhej police had earlier registered a case against seven members of the Mastani gang for attacking the land broker’s family with weapons during a recovery attempt. Despite this, Rabari allegedly resumed criminal activities after being released on bail.

Police have now launched a manhunt for Devram and four other unidentified accused named in the case. Investigators are also probing whether another notorious figure, Bhargav Rabari, had any role in planning or executing the attack.

Further investigation is under way.