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Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gujarat: Crackdown at alleged Bangladeshi settlement sparks concerns of displacement
The Gujarat government has intensified its crackdown on suspected illegal settlements following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir last month, impacting Bangladeshi nationals residing near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad. The area is often referred to as 'mini-Bangladesh' due to its significant population of illegal immigrants. Launched on April 29 by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Gujarat police, authorities reclaimed over 1.5 lakh square yards of encroached land by Thursday. 'The operation marks Gujarat's firm stance against illegal settlements and anti-national elements,' said Sharad Singhal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime). The crackdown focused on multiple criminal networks operating in the area. Months ago, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested four members of the banned Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from the same area, according to Singhal. All four were Bangladeshi nationals, and their case is currently under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), he added. Intelligence inputs suggest that terrorists from groups such as Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), recently released from prisons in Bangladesh, have been attempting to infiltrate India, according to Singhal. The demolition specifically targeted locations suspected of harboring such elements. In addition to terror links, the area had become a hotspot for drug trafficking, with several cases involving Bangladeshi operatives, according to police. A major human trafficking and prostitution racket was also busted during the drive. Over 70 earth movers, 200 dumpers, and 2,000 police personnel together razed approximately 4,000 illegal structures, including a 2,000-square-yard farmhouse linked to Mehmoodkhan Pathan, alias Lallu Bihari, who is accused of aiding illegal immigrants with forged documents, said a government official aware of the matter. An FIR has been filed against him by the crime branch, and investigations continue to uncover ties to local politicians and police, highlighting his role in sustaining the illegal settlements for about one-and-a-half decade, the official added. On Thursday, the AMC focused on clearing the remaining 40,000 square yards of illegal structures, deploying JCBs and dumpers with heavy police presence, the official said. On April 30, the Gujarat cabinet, chaired by chief minister Bhupendra Patel, met to chart the future course of action for Chandola Lake. The cabinet, which includes home minister Harsh Sanghavi, approved a two-phase plan: first, completing the clearance of 40,000 square yards of illegal structures to restore the 2,965-acre water body under the Gujarat Land Revenue Code, and second, transforming the lake into a public amenity with potential green spaces and recreational facilities, backed by drone surveillance and police patrols to prevent re-encroachment.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
50 JCBs, 2,000 police personnel: Ahmedabad launches massive demolition drive to remove illegal Bangladeshi immigrants
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) launched a demolition drive near Chandola Lake to remove illegal Bangladeshi immigrants . The action comes after a survey revealed illegal construction in the area, primarily in the "Siyasatnagar Bangal Vaas," where many Bangladeshi nationals were residing. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" According to Joint CP (Crime) Sharad Singhal, the survey confirmed the illegal construction, prompting the demolition effort. "There was a Siyasatnagar Bangal Vaas where a majority of Bangladeshis used to conducted a survey in which it was found that illegal construction was done. A demolition drive is underway. A total of 50 JCBs are working here, and around 2,000 police personnel are deployed here," Singhal stated. — ocjain4 (@ocjain4) The demolition drive is being supported by significant law enforcement, with 2,000 police officers and 50 JCB machines working at the site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Immigration Expands Across Gujarat This operation is part of a broader statewide effort to tackle illegal immigration. In a related move, the Umargam Police detained seven Bangladeshi nationals. Valsad Superintendent of Police (SP) Karanraj Vaghela explained, "Workers of a garment factory were questioned and six men and a woman were detained. They are Bangladeshis. They went to Nepal from Bangladesh and then entered India illegally via West Bengal. They will be questioned and then the process of deporting them will begin." — ANI (@ANI) The crackdown on illegal immigrants continued earlier this week when the Vadodara Police intercepted over 500 individuals suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals. Vadodara Police Commissioner Narsingh Komar confirmed the operation, noting, "A special drive is being carried out in Vadodara to identify and arrest illegal Bangladeshi nationals. Police have intercepted more than 500 such suspects, and their document verification is underway. Five of them have been confirmed to be Bangladeshi nationals." Live Events FIR Filed Against Alleged Fake Documents Dealer Additionally, the Ahmedabad Police have filed an FIR against Lallu Bihari, who allegedly facilitated the creation of fake rental agreements and Aadhaar cards for illegal immigrants. According to the police, some individuals also obtained fraudulent passports. "Action has been taken against them earlier also. Demolition has been done earlier also. Three days ago, the police conducted a massive combing operation, in which more than 180 illegal Bangladeshis were identified. And this process is going on," said a police official. The authorities have taken strict measures to control illegal immigration, ensuring the full deployment of police forces and continued investigations into individuals involved in fraudulent activities. Ongoing Investigations into Illegal Immigration Networks The investigation into Lallu Bihari's activities is ongoing, with police focusing on the illegal construction and fraudulent documents. The authorities aim to further crack down on the network enabling such illegal practices in the region.
