Varachha police have arrested three men, including two alleged habitual offenders, for reportedly robbing a 43-year-old site supervisor after luring him to a secluded location through a gay dating app.
According to police, the victim, identified as Hitesh (name changed), is originally from Bhavnagar and works at a construction office. Four days ago, he was contacted through a gay dating app and allegedly invited to Bhagwati Raswali Gali in Ghanshyamnagar Society, Varachha.When he reached the location, he was taken to the fourth floor of a building, where three men allegedly threatened and assaulted him with paddles before fleeing with his mobile phone worth around ₹7,000 and ₹5,000 in cash.
Following a complaint, Varachha police launched an investigation and arrested 21-year-old Archit alias Lambo Najabhai Sankhat, a resident of Varachha and originally from Chitrasar in Jafrabad; 23-year-old jeweller Jayesh alias Mamu Dahubhai Gohil, a Varachha resident originally from Ambarda in Gir Gadhda; and 20-year-old jeweller Raj alias Kaliyo Padamshing Kushwaha, a Varachha resident originally from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.Police said Raj allegedly used to contact gay users through dating apps and invite them to isolated locations. The three accused would then allegedly target and rob them.
During the investigation, police recovered a mobile phone and ₹5,500 in cash from the accused.Police said Archit has previously faced cases related to robbery with murder in Varachha and theft in Godadara. Raj alias Kaliyo has also previously been arrested in connection with liquor-related offences.