Police Seize Property of Notorious Gangster Sharik Satha, Action Intensifies Against Auto Theft Kingpin

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: The Sambhal police have intensified action against Sharik Satha, the mastermind behind the Sambhal violence and a notorious gangster, with a court-ordered seizure of his illegal property. Early Wednesday, a heavy police contingent from five local stations was deployed in the Nakhas area of Sambhal, reaching Satha’s residence in Mohalla Hindupura Kheda Pajya. The authorities publicly announced the seizure by beating drums in the area.

Officials present included ASP North Kuldeep Singh, Asmoli CO Kuldeep Kumar, Sambhal Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, and several revenue officers. The operation turned the locality into a fortified zone.

Kingpin of Auto Theft Gang

Sharik Satha is considered one of India’s largest auto theft operators, with 69 cases registered against him across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Darjeeling. His gang is reported to steal around 500 vehicles annually, with Satha managing operations from Dubai and coordinating high-profile crimes in India through his network. Investigations revealed that stolen vehicles were exchanged for weapons imported from the North-East, which were then distributed nationwide. The current action is linked to the Sambhal violence case of 24 November 2024.

Police Revelations on Violence

Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi disclosed that 9mm ammunition manufactured at Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) was recovered during the violence. Members of Satha’s gang reportedly used a special mobile application to communicate with contacts in Dubai. Police investigations indicate links between some gang members and elements in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Additional ASP officials revealed that during the violence, Mohammad Waris, allegedly instigated by Sharik Satha, carried out the killings of Naeem and Kaif, while earlier suspects Mulla Afroz, Bilal, and Ayan were sent to jail for murders during the unrest. These incidents targeted civilians and police, exploiting chaos created by tear gas deployment.

Court Notices and Further Action

Sharik Satha failed to respond to a notice issued under Section 84 within 30 days, prompting new contempt proceedings against him. The property seizure operation is described as a decisive step by the police to dismantle Satha’s gang. Law enforcement is continuing investigations on multiple fronts to apprehend Satha, who is still believed to be hiding abroad.