Ahmedabad: Released on parole, murder convict Montu Namdar sets off crackers, threatens witness

Ahmedabad: Montu Namdar, a murder convict released on parole was booked by Khadia police on Tuesday for allegedly threatening a prosecution witness in a murder case in which he is serving a sentence. Namdar allegedly fled after creating a ruckus in Khadia and later suffered a fractured leg while attempting to evade police action, sources said.

According to the complaint filed by a businessman who is a witness in the case, Namdar arrived near his office at Lalavasa Pol around 5.15pm along with two associates in an SUV. The complainant alleged that the trio burst firecrackers on the road and hurled abuses before Namdar threatened him and his family with dire consequences for testifying against him in court.

The complainant is a witness to the murder of BJP worker Rakesh Mehta in 2022. He and his associates allegedly clubbed Mehta to death with baseball bats over long-standing family and property disputes. Namdar, convicted in the case, is currently serving his sentence. The witness alleged that Namdar had specifically referred to the testimony that led to his conviction and threatened to kill him and his family.

Police said the complainant immediately alerted the 112 emergency helpline, but the accused and his associates fled before a patrol team arrived.

Namdar has been in the spotlight over the years. He had earlier jumped parole and was allegedly seen roaming about near his residence despite restrictions. He was initially lodged in Nadiad jail, where a viral video purportedly showed him receiving special treatment, including massage services, prompting prison authorities to transfer him to Vadodara jail. According to sources, Namdar had shared those videos with some acquaintances to flaunt the special treatment he was receiving in custody.

Khadia police have registered an FIR against Namdar and his associates on charges including criminal intimidation. A video of Namdar purportedly creating ruckus has also gone viral. In the video, he is seen threatening and abusing commuters, while his men are bursting firecrackers on his instructions.