A businessman from Porbandar, who has been running a general store in Mozambique for the past 16 years, was abducted by armed assailants on the night of March 3. Despite multiple appeals to the Indian authorities, including the Home Minister and local leaders in Porbandar, there has been no update on his whereabouts, leaving his family in distress.

As per media report, the kidnapped individual, 36-year-old Vinay Sohanbhai Soneji, had been residing in Maputo, Mozambique, where he operated a general store named "Genagenad" for over a decade and a half. On the night of the incident, Vinay had closed his shop and was crossing the street with two Gujarati staff members and a security guard to reach his car. At approximately 8:10 PM, a vehicle suddenly arrived, from which two armed men stepped out and opened indiscriminate fire. Within seconds, they forcibly abducted Vinay and drove away.

Later that night, the kidnappers contacted their local associates and demanded a ransom of 3 million rupees. Vinay’s family and associates were reportedly willing to negotiate the payment but requested proof of his well-being by speaking to him over the phone. The abductors initially agreed, stating that they would arrange a call within half an hour. However, even after three days, no further communication has been established, deepening concerns over Vinay’s safety.

In a desperate attempt to seek help, Vinay’s family has reached out to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Members of Parliament, local legislators, the Porbandar District Collector, and senior police officials. Despite their repeated appeals, they have not received any reassuring response or concrete action from the authorities. The lack of progress in the case has intensified the family's anxiety as they wait for any news regarding Vinay’s condition and potential rescue.

Porbandar, December 1 - Police in Gujarat's Porbandar city have arrested a 30-year-old man for impersonating a soldier by wearing an army uniform with the intent to deceive people, an official said on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Sanjay Dodhiya, a resident of Shapar Veraval in Rajkot district, was detained on Saturday in the Kamla Bagh area of Porbandar. He was later released on bail.

A police officer from Kamla Bagh police station stated that Dodhiya was wearing a soldier’s uniform despite having no connection with the armed forces. His actions were aimed at misleading the public into believing he was an army personnel.

A case has been registered against Dodhiya under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the officer confirmed.

Ahmedabad, April 29 : Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay announced in a press conference on Monday the seizure of 173 packets of hashish (charas) worth Rs 60 crore from an Indian fishing boat near Dwarka-Porbandar. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has registered an FIR and initiated an investigation into the matter.

As per agency report, DGP Vikas Sahay informed that besides two individuals from the sea, two others have been apprehended in connection with the case. The authorities are currently probing the intended destination of the drug consignment.

According to DGP Vikas Sahay, the ATS achieved a major breakthrough on Monday. ATS Superintendent of Police KK Patel received preliminary information on April 21 that three individuals from Maharashtra—Kailash Sanat, Dutta Sakarama, and Mangesh Tukaram—were attempting to transport a narcotics consignment via sea, using a fishing boat from Gujarat.

Acting on this intelligence, ATS devised a strategy in coordination with senior officials. On April 24, ATS PSI Hitesh Wadhe, along with several Coast Guard personnel, embarked on the Coast Guard vessel Sajad and ventured into the high seas. After several days of searching, the suspected fishing boat was identified on April 28, located 120 nautical miles away from the Gujarat border. ATS, with the assistance of the Coast Guard, surrounded the boat and apprehended Mangesh Tukaram and Hari Das from the vessel. Hari Das has previous criminal records related to murder and kidnapping cases in Maharashtra.

During the search of the fishing boat, authorities discovered and seized 173 packets of hashish (charas) valued at Rs 60 crore in the international market. ATS had deployed teams to investigate the involvement of other individuals in the conspiracy. On April 28, while two individuals were arrested at sea, the pre-positioned ATS team in Pune apprehended Kailash Sanat. Additionally, another ATS team in Dwarka arrested Datta Sakaram, a resident of Maharashtra.

Further investigations revealed that the accused, including Kailash Sanat, Dutta Sakaram, and Mangesh Tukaram, had been conducting reconnaissance in Gujarat for the past few months, attempting to rent or purchase a fishing boat. They came into contact with Ali Asghar, a resident of Mandvi in Kutch district, who facilitated their connection with the Pakistan drug mafia. The plan involved using a fishing boat from Dwarka to transfer the consignment 110 nautical miles off the coast of Pasni in Pakistan. The drug consignment, along with provisions and fuel, was to be received from a boat arriving from Pakistan, with the ultimate destination being Dwarka.

During interrogation, the accused confessed that they planned to take a fishing boat on rent from Dwarka under the pretext of fishing and then take it to high seas. They intended to capture three individuals, including the boat's captain, in the high seas, and transfer the drug consignment from Pakistan at a location near Pasni. They would then proceed to Dwarka with the drugs, provisions, and fuel.

Porbandar - In a significant drug bust, a joint operation conducted by the Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) led to the seizure of 86 kg of drugs from a Pakistani boat near Porbandar in Gujarat. The operation, which took place near the International Border in the Arabian Sea, resulted in the arrest of 14 Pakistani nationals aboard the boat.

The interception of the Pakistani boat and subsequent drug seizure occurred following a tip-off received by the security agencies. The team, which included officials from the NCB and ATS, identified the suspicious vessel and conducted a thorough search, leading to the discovery of the illicit drugs.

The successful operation was facilitated by the deployment of Indian Coast Guard ship Rajaratan, along with other ships and aircraft. The arrested individuals and the seized drugs have been brought to Porbandar for further investigation. The apprehension of the Pakistani nationals highlights the collaborative efforts of the security agencies in combating drug trafficking in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to hold four election meetings in Gujarat on April 27, campaigning for the Porbandar, Bharuch, Panchmahal, and Vadodara Lok Sabha seats. These meetings are part of the Vijay Sankalp Sabha organized for these constituencies. Gujarat will vote for 25 Lok Sabha seats in the third phase on May 7, with by-elections for five assembly seats also scheduled. One Lok Sabha seat, Surat, has already been declared unopposed in favor of BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal.

Shah's first meeting will be at Jamkandora Stuti Kumar College in Rajkot district, part of the Porbandar Lok Sabha seat, at 10 am. He will then address the Vijay Sankalp Sabha at Khadoli village in Bharuch district at 2 pm, campaigning for BJP candidate Mansukh Vasava. The third meeting will be at Panchamrit Dairy near Lunawada bypass, Godhra, in Panchmahal district at 4 pm, where Shah will seek support for BJP candidate Rajpal Singh Yadav. The fourth meeting, a roadshow, will be near Ranmukteshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadodara at 6 pm, supporting BJP's Hemang Joshi.

Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in Gujarat on May 1 and 2, addressing meetings in Deesa and Himmatnagar in North Gujarat on May 1, and in Anand, Wadhwan, Jamnagar, and Junagadh on May 2.

Porbandar, Gujarat: March 12, 2024 - In a major victory against drug trafficking, a joint operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Coast Guard, and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) resulted in the seizure of drugs worth Rs 480 crore from a Pakistani boat in the Arabian Sea. Six Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel were apprehended.

Officials revealed at a press conference that the drugs, originating from Afghanistan, were likely destined for Delhi or Punjab via Porbandar or Jakhau ports. Superintendent of Police Sunil Joshi of the ATS identified Haji Mustufa as the mastermind behind the smuggling operation.

Coast Guard on High Alert

Acting on tip-off regarding a drug smuggling attempt, the Coast Guard strategically patrolled a designated area in the Arabian Sea. Dornier aircraft assisted in pinpointing the suspicious vessel, leading to its swift capture and the arrest of all occupants. This operation marks another significant achievement in securing Gujarat's maritime borders. Over the past three years, authorities have seized a staggering 517 kg of narcotics with an estimated value of Rs 3135 crore from the state's coastline.

Porbandar, Gujarat: In a significant victory against drug trafficking, Indian authorities seized a staggering 3132 kilograms of narcotics off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat, in a joint operation. This historic seizure, estimated to be worth around Rs 2,000 crore, marks the largest drug recovery ever recorded on the country's maritime borders.

The operation, conducted by a joint task force comprising the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), was based on specific intelligence received on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. Acting on this information, authorities intercepted an Iranian boat in international waters off Porbandar, which was found to be carrying the massive drug consignment. Five crew members from the boat were also apprehended.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the successful operation, hailing it as a major step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a drug-free India. "Our agencies have successfully seized a large consignment of drugs brought from abroad, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a drug-free India," he wrote in a statement. "Seizing drugs on such a large scale shows the government's unwavering commitment to the Drug Free India campaign."

Echoing these sentiments, Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, also lauded the collaborative effort. "In a joint operation of the Indian Navy, Gujarat Police, and NCB, a suspicious ship carrying around 3132 kg of drugs has been caught off the coast of Gujarat," he wrote. "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, this operation strengthens our commitment for a drug-free India."

This landmark seizure marks a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region and reaffirms the Indian government's continued commitment to tackling the illegal drug trade.

PORBANDAR, October 2nd - Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel commemorated the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by laying floral tributes at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar on Monday. The visit highlighted the significant contributions made towards cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat Mission, an initiative dear to Gandhi and championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under the nationwide 'Swachhta Hi Seva' campaign, individuals across Gujarat and the rest of the country dedicated an hour to Shramdaan on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti. Chief Minister Patel encouraged the nation to embrace Gandhi's teachings of truth, non-violence, and Satyagraha. He emphasized that the Gandhian principle of 'Antyodaya se Sarvodaya' has found its true essence under the guidance of the Prime Minister.

Chief Minister Patel also stressed the significance of prayer in purifying the soul, resonating with Gandhi's beliefs. Visitors worldwide are inspired by Kirti Mandir, Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace. Furthermore, in alignment with 'Atmanirbhar Gujarat to Self-reliant India,' Khadi is being actively promoted in Gujarat. To commemorate this effort, a special 20% discount will be available on Khadi products from October 2 to October 31.

Minister in-charge, Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya, remarked that while Bapu's teachings originate from a different era, they remain equally influential today. The event at Kirti Mandir saw presentations of devotional music, and Chief Minister Patel received a charkha from Bavaliya and an oil painting memento of Bapu from District Collector K.D. Lakhani.

An interfaith prayer session was organized at Kirti Mandir, with a host of dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Rambhai Mokaria, Porbandar MP Rameshbhai Dhaduk, and many other officials, joining to honor Mahatma Gandhi's enduring legacy. The attendees also pledged their commitment to cleanliness during the prayer meeting.

Porbandar, Aug 12 (IANS) Three Muslim youths attempted suicide by consuming phenyl, alleging that seven to eight members of their community have been harassing, defaming, and attempting to oust them for merely questioning a stance on Shariyat law in Gujarat's Porbandar. They also recorded a video of the act on Instagram.

The controversy began after a viral audio clip of a local Muslim cleric emerged, allegedly stating that Muslims should hoist the Indian national flag but must not salute it. This prompted six youths from the community to confront Maulana Hafiz Vasif Raza about the authenticity of the clip.

Upon confirming the clip was his own, Raza faced strong opposition from the youths who argued that loyalty to the country was essential in Islam. Maulana Raza, however, remained steadfast in his views.

Tensions escalated as a complaint was filed by the trustees of Nagina Masjid Porbandar and Darul Ulum Gaushe Azam Trust, accusing several individuals of verbal abuse, physical assault, issuing death threats, and hurting religious sentiments over the audio clip.

Following the complaint, the three youths -- Shakil Kadri Saiyad, Sohil Ibrahim Parmar and Imtiyaz Harun Sipahi -- made an Instagram reel, alleging harassment from their community and subsequently consumed phenyl.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhagirathsinh Jadeja has stated that the audio clip will be sent for forensic analysis to further the investigation.

Darul Ulum Gaoshe Azam Trust's Trustee, Yusuf Muhammad Punjani, denied the authenticity of the circulating clip and refuted Maulana Raza's involvement in such speech. He also alleged that the accusing youths had previous criminal records.

The matter is still under investigation.

Porbandar, June 12 (IANS) The cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' continues its journey northwards in the east-central Arabian Sea, placing Gujarat and Pakistan's coastal regions under high alert, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As of June 12, the storm was located roughly 340 km southwest of Porbandar, 380 km south-southwest of Devbhumi Dwarka, 460 km south of Jakhau Port, 470 km south-southwest of Naliya, and 640 km south of Karachi, Pakistan.

The IMD predicts that the cyclone will move north until the morning of June 14, then veer north-northeast awards, crossing the coasts of Saurashtra & Kutch and adjacent Pakistan regions between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by noon on June 15. It is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph.

Heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for several districts in Gujarat, including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi. Beginning on June 14, these regions may experience moderate to heavy rainfall at most places, with isolated incidents of extremely heavy rainfall on June 15. Additional rainfall is expected over north Gujarat and adjoining south Rajasthan on June 16.

As the storm approaches, Gale wind speed of up to 175 kmph gusting to 195 kmph will likely hit the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea from June 12, decreasing slightly to 155 kmph gusting to 175 kmph by nightfall. Similar conditions are anticipated for June 13, with wind speeds gradually reducing until the evening of June 15.

Warning against sea travel

Sea conditions are also expected to worsen significantly, with the IMD forecasting "phenomenal" conditions over the northeast and east-central Arabian Sea from June 12 to 15. This means wave heights could exceed 14 meters, making sea travel extremely dangerous.

A storm surge of 2-3 meters above the astronomical tide could potentially inundate the low-lying areas of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Morbi districts during the time of landfall. This surge, combined with the anticipated rainfall, poses a severe flood risk.

The cyclone also threatens significant damage, including the destruction of thatched and kutcha houses, uprooting of power and communication poles, widespread damage to crops and orchards, and visibility being severely affected due to salt spray.

Warning for fishermen

With the storm's impending arrival, all fishing operations in the east-central and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea are suspended until June 15. The IMD has advised those out at sea to return to the coast and encouraged judicious regulation of offshore and onshore activities. Ports along the west coast of India, naval base operations, and the general public in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions. Tourism activities may be restricted over these areas.

PORBANDAR/AHMEDABAD – A successful counterterrorism operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) led to the arrest of four individuals, including a woman, linked to the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), a recognised terrorist organisation. The dramatic arrests, conducted under the supervision of IG Deepen Bhadran, revealed a concerning connection to both ISIS and Pakistan.

In a press conference following the operation, Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay confirmed that all four arrestees were affiliated with ISKP. Sahay disclosed that three of the accused are Indian residents while the fourth is a foreign national, with all of them being active members of the extremist group. A range of banned items was recovered from the individuals upon their arrest.

ATS sources reported that the apprehended youths, who had been radicalised by ISKP, were planning to flee India from the Porbandar seashore in Gujarat. Their intended journey would have taken them to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan through Iran.

The ATS team initiated a surveillance operation at Porbandar railway station on June 9th. Here, three suspicious individuals were identified, subsequently apprehended and interrogated. The detained individuals were Ubed Nasir Mir, Hanan Hayat Shawl, and Mohammad Hazim Shah, all originally from Srinagar. Interrogation revealed that they had been radicalised by a handler named Abu Hamza, leading to their affiliation with ISKP.

Investigation into these three individuals led to the identification of two additional members of the same ISKP module, Zubair Ahmad Munshi and Sumerabanu Mohammad Hanif Malek. A subsequent raid on Malek's residence, conducted by the Gujarat ATS and Surat Crime Branch, yielded crucial information about ISKP.

Sumerabanu Malek is currently undergoing police interrogation. Evidence suggests she had contact with the handler and a close relationship with Zubair Ahmed Munshi. Multiple items were seized from the arrested Kashmiri youths, including personal identification documents, digital communication devices, mobiles, tablets, and knives.

As per the information, their handler, Abu Hamza, instructed the trio to reach Porbandar where they secured laborer jobs on a fishing boat as part of their mission. Their plan involved reaching a GPS coordinate using the boat and its captain, from where they were to be transported to Iran by DHOW. Once there, they were to be given fake passports, and travel to Khorasan via Herat for carrying out terrorist activities on behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (ISKP).

The accused - Ubed Nasir Mir, Hanan Hayat Shawl, Mohammad Hajim Shah, Zubair Munshi, and Sumerabanu - have been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967, as investigations continue.