Tue Apr 29 11:38:19 UTC 2025: ## Ahmedabad Launches Massive Demolition Drive Targeting Illegal Settlements Near Chandola Lake

**Ahmedabad, India (April 29, 2025)** – A major demolition operation was carried out today in Ahmedabad, targeting illegal settlements built around Chandola Lake. The drive, led by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and supported by a significant police presence of approximately 2,000 officers, follows the recent detention of hundreds of suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from the area.

Authorities stated that the demolition focused on approximately 2,000 illegally constructed houses and structures identified during a recent survey which revealed encroachment of government land. The AMC deployed 50 teams equipped with earthmoving machinery, with officials reporting that roughly half the demolition work was completed by midday. This is the largest demolition drive at Chandola Lake since 2009.

Police Commissioner G.S. Malik emphasized that all city police stations were placed on high alert to maintain order during the operation, citing the area’s Muslim-majority population. Joint Commissioner of Police-Crime Sharad Singhal confirmed that the operation began early this morning.

The operation also targeted the property of Mehmood Pathan, alias Lallu Bihari, who is accused of masterminding the encroachment and assisting illegal immigrants in obtaining rental housing and Aadhaar cards. An FIR is being filed against Pathan. Police allege that he facilitated the acquisition of fraudulent documents, including Aadhaar cards and potentially passports.

According to Gujarat’s Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay, a recent state-wide crackdown has led to the detention of approximately 6,500 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, with around 450 found in Ahmedabad alone. These individuals are currently undergoing identity verification.

While authorities emphasized that the demolition targeted illegal structures and aimed to address the issue of undocumented immigrants, the large-scale operation and significant police deployment underscore the sensitivity of the situation. Police Commissioner Malik claimed that even members of the local minority community support the action against the illegal settlements.

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