Why Was a Repeat Offender in Gujarat Arrested Under PASA?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PASA is a tool for combating anti-social activities.
- Recent arrests highlight ongoing law enforcement efforts.
- Criticism exists regarding the misuse of PASA.
- Legal procedures are strictly followed during detentions.
- The number of PASA cases has significantly increased in Gujarat.
Ahmedabad, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has apprehended a local resident under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA). The detained individual, a 30-year-old man known as Manish alias Aahu, son of Bhupendrakumar Sharma, resides at Ajay Tenament near RTO Circle, Vejalpur, Ahmedabad. His arrest followed a meticulous investigation and the gathering of substantial evidence.
In response to the findings, DCB officials filed a formal PASA application with the Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, who sanctioned the detention under PASA Order No. PCB/DTN/PASA/649/2025 dated July 30. The order was executed without delay, adhering to all legal protocols for the apprehension. Subsequently, the accused was escorted to Rajkot Jail, in compliance with the PASA directives.
Officials indicated that this action is part of a heightened initiative aimed at combating anti-social and illegal conduct associated with the state's prohibition laws.
From 2022 to 2024, the Gujarat Police registered over 1,150 individuals under PASA across significant districts, demonstrating a concentrated effort against repeat and serious offenders. Official statistics reveal that Ahmedabad had 389 arrests, Surat 532, Vadodara 163, and Rajkot 73.
During a comprehensive crackdown in 2019-20, more than 2,800 PASA cases were logged in Ahmedabad alone, resulting in 429 detentions statewide within a single year.
A recent special operation led by the Director General of Police uncovered 7,612 anti-social individuals across the state in a mere 100 hours, leading to 59 PASA detentions, including 25 in Ahmedabad, 12 in Morbi, seven in rural Surat, and six in Gandhinagar. In Surat, PASA was even applied against 25 white-collar criminals, such as moneylenders, extortionists, and unlicensed financiers.
In 2025, at least 450 PASA orders were issued ahead of the Rath Yatra in Surat, following 704 detentions under the act in 2024, according to official sources.
Despite its extensive application, PASA has drawn ongoing criticism for its potential for misuse. Over the last two years, 5,402 detentions statewide were reported, yet approximately 64% were overturned by the Gujarat High Court, indicating systemic overreach and judicial scrutiny.