Gujarat history-sheeter arrested in Madhya Pradesh

Ahmedabad, Jan 5 (UNI) The Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) sleuths today arrested a history-sheeter, Kirit alias Kirit Dhoom Hashmukh Barot, from Jambuva district in Madhya Pradesh.

Gujarat ATS superintendent of police Rajkumar Pandyan told reporters here that Kirit, a resident of Kalol town in Gandhinagar district, was wanted by the Gujarat Police since 2003 for over a hundred crimes ranging from murder to highway robberies.

Mr Pandyan said, acting on a specific tip off, a team of Gujarat ATS sleuths was sent to Madhya Pradesh. Kirit had assumed the name of ''Pratap Singh Jambuva'' and was residing in Madhya Pradesh since the last three months, Mr Pandyan added. He was engaged as a driver to avoid suspicion.

Mr Pandyan said Kirit would steal cars and two-wheelers. He used these stolen vehicles, in a different part of the state, to offer lift to unsuspecting people and rob them thereafter.

He had committed a total of 105 such crimes in 17 districts of Gujarat during the last four years, Mr Pandyan said. It is suspected that Kirit had at least 20 local accomplices who assisted him in his nefarious activities.

Kirit had been arrested twice earlier -- in March and May 2006 from Vakaner and Anand towns respectively. However, on each occasion, he had escaped from police custody, Mr Pandyan said. He has earned himself the notorious name of ''Kirit Dhoom'' because of his expertise in unfastening car and two-wheeler locks.

UNI