History-sheeter’s illegal properties bulldozed

Surat: Giving Surtis a sense of ‘UP style’ action, the city police on Wednesday bulldozed two illegal properties of Limbayat’s notorious gangster Hashim Siddiqi. The action comes in the wake of Sunday’s rioting in which five members of Siddiqi gang had terrorized locals by attacking a photocopy-shop owner and his friends.
Siddiqi has 20 cases registered against him since 2009.They include attempt to murder and cases under the Arms Act. Police had received complaints regarding an illegal gym and a cricket box.
DCP (Zone 2) Bhagirath Gadhvi said, “Such action will be taken against any criminal who tries to terrorize people. We were informed that some anti-social elements have encroached upon a land outside Bhavna Nagar society in Limbayat and made an illegal gym and a cricket box there. We sought th help of SMC and got Siddiqi’s illegal properties demolished.”
On Sunday evening, Siddiqi’s men Irman alias RPF, Ajju, Saddam, Firdaus and Ayub had attacked photocopy-shop owner Irfan Saiyed, his brother Irman and friend Faizan with bats and sticks, saying they were instructed by the gangster. When people gathered in large numbers, they fled but threatened the victims to kill them. After the incident, locals complained to the police about Siddiqi and his scare in the area. Police had earlier received complaints about his illegal encroachment.
“Siddiqi is a notorious criminal and has 20 cases, including attempt to murder against him. We got complaints from Bhavna Nagar society members. We brought the encroachment to the notice of SMC officials and got it demolished,’’ said Limbayat police inspector Sahdevsinh Padheriya.
Police have arrested Siddiqi and his aide Imran while four others are absconding. During the demolition on Wednesday, police brought Siddiqi to the spot.
Meanwhile, Surat police commissioner invoked PASA against Siddiqi and sent him to Bhuj jail on Wednesday night.