Ahmedabad Crime Branch shoots history-sheeter Dharmendra Singh in leg during arrest
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A wanted history-sheeter sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg during a Crime Branch arrest operation in Ahmedabad on Monday, 25 May, after allegedly attempting to snatch a police officer's service weapon mid-transit. The accused, Dharmendra Singh alias Dhamo Barad, is linked to approximately 26 criminal cases across multiple police stations in the city.
How the Incident Unfolded
Acting on specific intelligence about Singh's presence at a hotel within the jurisdiction of Sola Police Station, a Crime Branch team located and detained him — reportedly alone at the premises. Officers placed him inside a vehicle and began transporting him when the situation escalated.
According to police, Singh allegedly lunged for the service pistol of Inspector Mehul Chauhan shortly after the vehicle moved. A brief but violent struggle broke out inside the vehicle. 'As he attempted to snatch the weapon, I immediately caught hold of his hand, and a scuffle broke out. In the course of the struggle, a round was fired in self defence, and he sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg. He was overpowered on the spot,' Inspector Chauhan said.
The incident took place at approximately 7:45 pm. No police personnel sustained serious injuries, though Inspector Chauhan reported minor swelling on his hand from the struggle.
The Accused's Criminal Background
Singh was primarily wanted in connection with an attempted murder case registered under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Krishnanagar Police Station. His criminal record, however, extends far beyond that single case.
Police confirmed he has cases registered across Krishnanagar, Bapunagar, Nikol, Naroda, and Crime Branch units — spanning offences including murder, attempt to murder, extortion, robbery, rioting, assault, and violations under the Arms Act and Prohibition Act. He was reportedly out on bail in certain matters at the time of the arrest.
Medical Treatment and Next Steps
Singh was immediately shifted to Sola Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for treatment of the gunshot wound. Senior officers are expected to determine further legal proceedings following a review of the incident.
This comes amid ongoing efforts by Ahmedabad's Crime Branch to target individuals with extensive prior records who are out on bail and allegedly continue criminal activity. The use of force during arrests involving history-sheeters has drawn periodic scrutiny, and formal inquiry procedures are typically initiated after such incidents.