2024 Sambhal violence: Police attach properties of Dubai gangster Shariq Satha

Satha had fled India in 2020 using a fake passport and has since been absconding. Police said the gangster, who has been active in the criminal world for over three decades, faces more than 60 cases, including charges of murder, extortion, rioting and criminal intimidation.

His gang is allegedly involved in organised vehicle theft rackets, with operations spread across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Officers said despite operating from abroad, Satha continues to run his crime syndicate through local aides.

Last year, police had issued a lookout circular against him to facilitate his arrest.

In the aftermath of the violence, police registered 12 FIRs at different police stations across Sambhal.

During the investigation, police suspected possible foreign links after recovering six empty cartridges from the spot, one of which was allegedly traced to Pakistan. It was in the course of this probe that Satha’s involvement came to light.

Police approached the court and obtained a non-bailable warrant against Satha but he continued to evade arrest. Police moved the court again, following which he was declared a proclaimed offender.

As he remained absconding despite these efforts, police once again approached the court and secured an order to attach his properties. A formal notice declaring him a proclaimed offender was also pasted at his residence in Deepa Sarai.

Police have filed chargesheets in the 12 cases and the trial has begun in all of them, officials said.