Woman claims Gujarat cops framed hubby in dacoity case

On July 4, representatives of Kosamba police from Gujarat's Surat district held a press conference and announced the arrest of 10 persons in a dacoity case. Cops claimed that the men had been apprehended around 4.30 am the same day near Golden Gate Hotel, Palsana in Surat.u00a0

‘Believe me': Gayatri Singh says her husband was picked up by cops on June 29 and his empty truck was taken into custody on July 4. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

They also declared that 12 mobile phones, a truck loaded with 150 kg of plastic scrap, Rs 45,500 in cash, and even weapons -- with a total worth of Rs 10.74 lakh -- were recovered from their possession.

With the arrest of the gang more than 21 dacoity cases have been solved, the police asserted.

Baseless allegations
However, Gayatri Singh, a resident of Saki Naka, has a different tale to tell. Her husband Vijay Singh (36) is one of the 10 people being held by Kosamba police. Gayatri has complained to several police authorities, Gujarat High Court and Bombay High Court against the cops.

According to the complaint (copy with MiD DAY), Vijay is the owner of the truck. Kosamba police had picked him up around noon on June 29 from Tohfa Hotel in Saki Naka. Vijay's brother Advocate Sanjay Singh rushed to Surat with his friend and colleague Alok Shukla. Cops confessed that Vijay had been arrested but did not allow the duo to meet him.

"Kosamba police threatened to book me if I made more inquiries," said Sanjay.

At about 1.30 am on July 4, two Gujarat cops had come to Mumbai and seized the empty truck parked at Saki Naka Junction, the complaint says.

‘Husband is framed'
"I have sufficient proof that my husband was picked up on June 29 and the truck was taken into custody on July 4. My husband has been framed. I have complained to several authorities to seek justice," said Gayatri.u00a0

The other side
"We have busted a gang of dacoits. The accused have committed more than 15 such offences in Mumbai alone. Our officials were investigating the matter. It is possible that Vijay Singh was picked up on June 29, but was released after investigation. Perhaps he was then arrested on July 4. His brother had come to meet us, but we did not threaten him," said Prakash Patil, inspector, Kosamba police station.u00a0