Godhra Train Carnage Convict Arrested in Nashik Theft Case After Jumping Parole

In a major breakthrough, Pune rural police have arrested Salim alias Salman Yusif Zarda, a 55-year-old convict in the 2002 Godhra train carnage case, for his involvement in a theft racket. Zarda, who had jumped parole in September last year, was apprehended along with four accomplices in Nashik. The police recovered a tempo truck and stolen goods worth ₹14.4 lakh from the gang.

Theft Investigation Leads to Shocking Revelation

The case came to light after truck driver Somnath Gaikwad (30) from Solapur reported the theft of tyres and tubes worth ₹2.49 lakh from his truck in Junnar, Pune, on January 7. Following his complaint, an FIR was lodged at the Alephata police station. During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered similar thefts reported at Manchar police station in Pune and Sinnar police station in Nashik.

Further inquiry pointed towards an inter-state gang operating from Godhra, Gujarat. Using technical surveillance, police traced and arrested five suspects in Nashik on January 22. The arrested individuals included Salim Zarda along with his associates—Sahil Pathan (21), Sufiyan Chanaki (23), Ayub Sunthiya (29), and Irfan Durvesh (41), all residents of Godhra.

Convict with a Notorious Criminal Record

Salim Zarda is one of the 31 individuals convicted in the 2002 Godhra train carnage case. Initially sentenced to death along with 10 others, his punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment by the Gujarat High Court. Over the years, he has gained notoriety for repeatedly violating parole conditions, having jumped parole eight times in the past.

Inspector Dinesh Tayade from Alephata police station confirmed Zarda’s involvement in a series of criminal activities spanning multiple states. He has been named in 16 cases of theft and robbery across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

Past Criminal Activities and Arrests

Zarda previously absconded from parole in October 2022 and was arrested in January 2023 by Gujarat police for his involvement in a theft at a godown in Narmada district. His latest arrest in Nashik once again highlights his continued engagement in criminal activities despite his conviction.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Following the arrest, Pune rural police handed over Zarda and his accomplices to Sinnar police in Nashik for further investigation into the theft cases. Authorities are now working to trace additional members of the gang and uncover their broader network of operations.

This arrest underscores the persistent challenge of handling repeat offenders and the need for stricter monitoring of convicts released on parole. Law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to curb organized theft rings operating across state borders.