In the vibrant coastal district of Valsad, nestled in the southern part of Gujarat, a remarkable initiative is underway, led by IPS Karanraj Vaghela, the Superintendent of Police. He has taken up the formidable task of capturing absconder convicts who have long evaded the clutches of law enforcement. The picturesque district of Valsad, bordered by the Arabian Sea and flanked by the bustling industrial zones of Gujarat, is now making headlines not for its scenic beaches but for a mission to restore justice and peace.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Vaghela shared details about the same.
VALSAD: A UNIQUE DISTRICT WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES
Valsad is strategically located, sharing its borders with Navsari District in the north, Maharashtra’s Palghar and Nashik districts to the south and east, and the union territories of Daman and Silvassa to the south. The district is crisscrossed by major highways like National Highway 48, 56, and 848, making it a critical junction for trade and transit. Rivers such as the Damanganga, Par, Auranga, Kolak, Taan, and Maan meander through Valsad, emptying into the Arabian Sea and adding to the district’s geographical complexity.
Valsad is not only a geographical marvel but also an economic hub. With an extensive industrial zone encompassing areas like Vapi, Sarigam, Umargaon, Pardi, Gundlav, and Atul, the district attracts a diverse workforce nationwide. The G.I.D.C (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) zones provide employment to thousands, fostering a multicultural environment where people from various states and religions coexist. However, this dynamic demographic makeup also poses unique challenges for law enforcement, especially in tracing individuals who might not have proper identification documents or who may move frequently.
THE ESCAPE ROUTE
Valsad’s proximity to neighboring states and territories offers an easy escape route for criminals. The district’s bustling highways and borders with Maharashtra and union territories like Daman and Silvassa make it a perfect haven for those looking to abscond after committing crimes. Many accused individuals exploit these geographical advantages, disappearing into neighboring jurisdictions or changing identities to evade capture.
“More than 3 lakh people from different states reside here as migrant workers. Moreover, numerous people are commuting from other districts on a daily basis which basically helps criminals in running away to their own states after committing the crime due to which the list of absconders was touching almost 1200 names,” he told Indian Masterminds.
Moreover, the industrial areas are filled with people who often do not submit their ID proofs to their landlords, making it difficult to track them down. This situation is further compounded by incomplete or inaccurate information recorded in FIRs, which hinders the police’s ability to locate and apprehend fugitives.
“We have a separate team in our crime branch that deals with catching the absconders. However, this team of 20-30 people was unable to catch all the absconders that had been wanted from the last so many years. So, we sensitized station in-charges of all the police stations and involved them in the initiative too, promising to provide them with all the technical help they needed,” he shared.
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO TRACING ABSCONDERS
Faced with this daunting challenge, Dr. Vaghela, under the leadership of IPS Prem Vir Singh, IG Surat, has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle the issue of absconders. He has initiated a strategic plan that combines both human and technical intelligence to track and apprehend these fugitives.
Vaghela’s approach starts with leveraging human resources to gather intelligence. He has instructed all police station in-charge officers, along with the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), parole furlough staff, and local police station detection staff, to actively engage in tracing wanted criminals. This involves:
1. Reading Case Diaries: Officers meticulously study case diaries to gather details about the absconders’ family members and acquaintances.
2. Engaging Informants: Police officers are encouraged to activate their network of informants and connect with co-accused individuals and advocates who may have bailed the absconders.
3. Community Outreach: Officers reach out to village leaders, local influencers, and police stations in the areas where the accused might be hiding. They also visit friends and relatives of the accused, gather leads, and track their movements.
TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE
In addition to human intelligence, Vaghela has integrated cutting-edge technology to bolster the investigation process. This includes:
1. Analyzing Call Detail Records (CDRs): Officers analyze old phone numbers and CDRs of the accused to identify connections with family and friends. They also track new SIM card allocations using Aadhaar and PAN details.
2. Digital Footprints: Social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are scoured for any digital traces left by the absconders, offering crucial insights into their whereabouts.
3. Bank KYC Verification: Officers verify the bank details of the accused to detect any changes in mobile numbers or addresses that might have been registered during Know Your Customer (KYC) updates.
SUCCESS STORIES: CAPTURING THE ELUSIVE
The Case of Santosh Kashikumar Harijan
One of the most significant achievements under Vaghela’s leadership is the capture of Santosh Kashikumar Harijan. The accused, involved in the heinous kidnapping and rape of a minor girl, followed by her murder, had been on the run for 14 years after jumping furlough bail. Valsad Police, through meticulous human and technical resource deployment, traced Harijan to his hometown in Bihar. With Vaghela personally coordinating with the SP of Gopalganj, a team was dispatched to Bihar, culminating in the successful arrest of Harijan.
The Rajasthan Ruse: Unmasking the Pathan Brothers
Another success story involves three absconders, Sattar alias Habib, Alam alias Salim, and Hinda alias Kasam, who had evaded capture for 15 years after abducting a minor girl. The Valsad Crime Branch, using technical intelligence, discovered that the trio had assumed new identities and were working as laborers and watchmen in Valsad. Thanks to Vaghela’s strategic guidance, the criminals were located and apprehended, restoring justice to the case.
Solving a Cold Case: The Rajbhar Murder
In a case dating back 18 years, the murderers of Chandadevi Rajbhar, Ballister Rai and Istiak Khan, were brought to justice. After months of diligent investigation and technical scrutiny, the SOG team located the accused in their hometown of Gajipur, Uttar Pradesh. With the cooperation of local authorities and a carefully planned operation, the criminals were arrested, providing closure to a long-pending case.
A Future of Hope and Justice
Under the leadership of IPS Karanraj Vaghela, Valsad district is experiencing a transformative shift in law enforcement. His innovative use of human and technical intelligence, coupled with a relentless pursuit of justice, has brought numerous absconders to justice. With nearly 300 fugitives captured from January to July, the initiative continues to demonstrate Vaghela’s commitment to making Valsad a safer place for its residents.
The district, with its beautiful beaches and thriving industries, now also stands as a proof to the power of determination and the pursuit of justice, offering hope to victims and communities that have long awaited closure. Vaghela’s efforts underscore the impact that dedicated and innovative policing can have on a community, setting a precedent for law enforcement agencies across the nation.
