Authorities have issued a lookout notice against former Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Sharma following his conviction in a decades-old case involving the assault of a senior Congress leader in Kutch. The notice restricts Sharma from traveling abroad and mandates his appearance in court within 15 days.
The development comes two days after a sessions court in Bhuj issued an arrest warrant against Sharma for failing to surrender despite his conviction.
The case dates back to May 1984, when Sharma was serving as Superintendent of Police in Kutch. He was accused of assaulting Congress leader Abdul Haji Ibrahim, widely known as Ibhla Sheth, inside his office. The confrontation occurred after a delegation approached Sharma regarding alleged police harassment in Naliya.
According to the complaint filed by Shankar Joshi, Sharma demanded the names of the delegation members. Upon learning Haji&rsquo;s name, Sharma allegedly became enraged, asked the others to leave, struck Haji with a stick, and unlawfully detained him in his office.
In February 2025, the court convicted Sharma under Section 342 of the Indian Penal Code for wrongful confinement, sentencing him to three months&rsquo; simple imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 1,000. Former police inspector Girish Vasavda was also convicted under the same section, while both were acquitted of other charges due to lack of evidence.
The case, which spanned over four decades, saw Sharma challenge the proceedings repeatedly in the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court. The lookout circular ensures authorities can monitor him and enforce his mandatory court appearance.

Lookout Notice Issued for Ex-Gujarat DGP Sharma

Former top cop faces arrest over 1984 wrongful confinement case

Lookout Notice Issued for Ex-Gujarat DGP Sharma

Former top cop faces arrest over 1984 wrongful confinement case

October 12, 2025 | 21:15 IST