Ahmedabad: A significant demolition operation commenced today, April 29, 2025, at Chandola Talav, an area identified as a hub for illegal Bangladeshi migrants entering India through West Bengal. This large-scale initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the State Police, employing 80 JCB machines and 60 dumpers to clear illegal encroachments.
The operation follows a night raid conducted by the Ahmedabad City Police on April 28, which resulted in the detention of over 1,000 suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals for identity verification. The police had disconnected illegal power connections in the area just a day prior to the demolition, setting the stage for today’s extensive action.
City Police Commissioner GS Malik visited Chandola Talav on April 28 to oversee the preparations for the demolition. Reports indicate that many illegal migrants vacated their homes following the police operation, which involved the apprehension of 890 individuals. Among these, 143 were confirmed as Bangladeshi citizens, while 200 were released after their identities were verified.
Chandola Talav has seen rampant encroachment, with illegal migrants allegedly burying parts of the lake with soil and waste to expand their settlements. The situation has escalated due to what some claim are lenient policies from the West Bengal government, which purportedly allows migrants to acquire false Indian citizenship documents.
One of the notable properties targeted in today’s demolition belongs to a man known as Lallu Bihari (also referred to as Mehmood), who is currently on the run. Authorities have lodged complaints against him for running illegal activities, including creating false rental agreements and operating a prostitution racket. His encroached property, which spans 2,000 square yards, was disguised as a parking area but was found to be a fully equipped farmhouse with amenities such as a garden, fountain, and air-conditioned rooms.
Commissioner Malik remarked, “Lallu Bihari has made shops, over 200 autorickshaws, and horses. It’s surprising to see all this in the lake area. There’s an order by the Supreme Court against encroachment on the lake.” He noted that previous demolitions in the area had occurred in 2009, but the current operation was unprecedented in scale.
As the demolition began, police discovered a country liquor godown hidden within the illegal settlements, further complicating the situation. The operation reflects ongoing efforts by the AMC to tackle illegal immigration and encroachments in sensitive urban zones.
In the wake of the crackdown, the atmosphere in Chandola Talav remains tense. Residents expressed their fears and frustrations, recounting experiences from the early morning raid. One man, who identified himself as a Madhya Pradesh native, said, “My children were scared and traumatized for no fault of their own.” He had sent his family away to stay with relatives after the incident.
Despite the release of 300 detainees on April 28 after their Indian identities were confirmed, many residents remain anxious about the ongoing investigations. The police have confirmed that 447 individuals are still under scrutiny, with 270 lacking proper documentation.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi hailed the operation as a “historic victory” in the fight against illegal immigration, emphasizing the need to root out infiltrators. Activists are now working to ensure that Indian nationals caught in the police sweep are released, highlighting that many residents in the area hail from various Indian states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Advocate Shamshad Pathan reported that they had successfully secured the release of at least 12 individuals from Bihar by cross-verifying their identities with local authorities. Ritu Jaiswal, the State President of the Women’s Wing of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar, also called attention to the plight of youths from her constituency who were caught in the operation.
In response to the police actions, Mujahid Nafees, Convenor of the Minority Coordination Committee, has urged for accountability, calling for the suspension of officials who participated in the public parading of detainees. He noted that the Supreme Court guidelines prohibit such actions, which he described as degrading and against human dignity.
Commissioner Malik defended the police's actions, stating that the encroachments were illegal and that everyone residing in the area was technically a land grabber. He explained that the police had no choice but to conduct a mass operation to prevent individuals from fleeing or hiding during the questioning process.
As the situation continues to develop, residents are left to grapple with the consequences of the crackdown. Many have begun compiling documentation to prove their Indian citizenship, fearing further actions from the authorities. The local community is determined to prepare for any future incidents, emphasizing that while they seek the removal of illegal immigrants, they too are innocent citizens caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, in Vadodara, the city police have screened 1,700 individuals as part of a similar operation, with 66 still under verification. The crackdown has revealed a troubling trend of illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in various parts of Gujarat.
As the AMC and police continue their efforts to address illegal immigration and encroachment, the residents of Chandola Talav and beyond remain on high alert, uncertain of what the future holds.
