In Palanpur, a city in Banaskantha district, police have arrested a notorious criminal named Akramkhan Imtiyazkhan Mewati. He was caught with a country-made pistol. The action came after Superintendent of Police Akshay Raj Makwana ordered a crackdown on social crimes and illegal firearms in the district. A team was formed under the guidance of LCB Inspector A.V. Desai to carry out this operation.
Akramkhan Mewati is involved in six criminal cases, including extortion, assault, and attempts to murder. He had been released on bail but continued his illegal activities. Based on information received by LCB ASI Rajeshkumar Haribhai, the police captured him near Fazle Masum Dargah on the road from Palanpur to Malan. The police seized a country-made pistol worth Rs. 10,000 from him.
Additionally, the police have started legal action against Kishorkumar Kantilal Luhar, known as K.K. Panchal, who allegedly provided the weapon. K.K. Panchal is linked to various crimes, including assault, extortion, and robbery across the state. The LCB in Palanpur has initiated proceedings against both men under the Arms Act and laws related to organized crime.
Palanpur is not just a location of criminal activities; it has a rich history as well. The city is the administrative headquarters of the Banaskantha district and is located in the northern part of Gujarat, India. Palanpur was supposedly founded in 1184 AD by Prahladan, a Rajput of the Parmara dynasty. The city has a historical significance, with mentions in Jain history and connections to various royal families.
Historically, Palanpur was fortified with strong walls and had seven gates, of which only the Meera Gate remains. The city has seen various rulers, including the Solanki dynasty and later the British Raj. It was also a significant area for agriculture, producing wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
The climate in Palanpur is quite diverse, with hot summers reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius and cold winters dropping to 4 degrees Celsius. The city receives an average annual rainfall of 513 mm. Being the headquarters of Banaskantha district, it is well-connected by road and rail to other cities.
Palanpur Junction is on the Jaipur-Ahmedabad line and connects to several important cities, including Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. The city is also known for its diamond cutting and polishing industry, which was established by Jain families in 1909, helping many escape poverty. Today, the diamond industry remains a significant part of Palanpur’s economy.
Overall, while Palanpur faces challenges with crime, it also boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. The recent police action against illegal firearms is a step towards maintaining law and order in this important city.