Surat, Gujarat: A shocking incident of public intimidation and gang-related activity has surfaced in Surat’s Ved Road area, where a Surya Marathi Gang Member allegedly fired shots in the air while smoking a cigarette to establish dominance in the neighborhood. The act, which was captured on video and later circulated widely on social media, quickly drew the attention of local law enforcement and led to the suspect’s arrest.
According to police officials, the accused has been identified as Deepak alias Deepak Kutekar, an active associate of the notorious Surya Marathi gang. The dramatic incident took place in a public space where Kutekar reportedly fired a pistol into the air while casually smoking a cigarette, attempting to project fear and authority among residents of the area.
Viral Video Triggered Police Action
The entire act was recorded and uploaded to social media platforms, where the footage rapidly went viral. The video showed the Surya Marathi Gang Member openly displaying a firearm and discharging it into the air without regard for public safety. Authorities said the primary motive behind the act was to create an atmosphere of fear and reinforce his influence in the locality.
However, the viral video eventually backfired for the accused. Soon after the footage reached police officials, a specialized team from the Special Operations Group (SOG) launched an operation to track him down.
Dramatic Operation Leads to Arrest
Based on technical surveillance and information provided by informants, the SOG team learned that Kutekar was moving around the Chowk Bazaar area near Akhand Anand College, close to Viramnagar Society. Police set up surveillance around the location and carried out a carefully planned operation.
As Kutekar approached the entrance of Viramnagar Society, officers moved in and apprehended him in what officials described as a “filmy-style” arrest. During the search, police recovered an illegal pistol worth approximately ₹35,000 that the accused had concealed around his waist.
Investigators revealed that Kutekar is originally from Valan village in Mahad Taluka, Maharashtra, but had been living at Madhav Apartment on Ved Road in Surat.
Weapon Purchased for Revenge
During interrogation, Kutekar made several startling disclosures. He told investigators that in 2024 he had a violent altercation with a man named Hitesh Solanki. During that dispute, Solanki allegedly fired at him, though Kutekar survived the attack.
The incident reportedly left Kutekar determined to seek revenge. To prepare for retaliation and demonstrate his dominance, he purchased the illegal pistol about a year ago from Uttar Pradesh for ₹35,000. Police said the weapon was arranged through a wanted criminal named Rohit alias Munna Dudhe, who is currently lodged in jail.
Police Investigating Illegal Weapon Network
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajdeepsinh Nakum confirmed that authorities are treating the case with utmost seriousness. A case has been registered against the accused under Section 25(1)(A) of the Arms Act, which carries the possibility of life imprisonment.
Police are now investigating the supply chain behind the firearm, including identifying the supplier in Uttar Pradesh and determining whether additional individuals are involved in the illegal arms network. Officials are also probing the role of Hitesh Solanki and whether he is associated with any rival gang.
Long Criminal History
Authorities revealed that the arrested Surya Marathi Gang Member is not a first-time offender. Kutekar has a lengthy criminal record with at least 21 serious cases registered against him across multiple police stations in Surat.
These cases include attempted murder, rioting, assault, firing incidents, offenses under the Atrocities Act, and narcotics-related crimes under the NDPS Act. Police records further indicate that Kutekar has previously been detained four times under the PASA Act, and he was also externed from the city once.
Law enforcement officials stated that the arrest is part of an ongoing effort to crack down on organized crime and gang-related activities in Surat. Investigations are continuing to identify other individuals connected to the Surya Marathi gang and the illegal weapons network.