Ahmedabad : Chandola Lake Cleared in Massive Drive Against Infiltrators

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — The Gujarat government has launched a massive and unprecedented demolition drive at Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad, targeting illegal Bangladeshi migrants and dismantling criminal networks operating in the area. This large-scale operation, which began in the early hours of April 26, is being hailed as one of the most decisive actions by the state against illegal immigration and anti-national activities.

The demolition comes in response to years of unchecked encroachments that had turned parts of the Chandola Lake region into a hub for illegal settlement and criminal activity. In particular, a significant number of Bangladeshi nationals living without valid documentation had built illegal structures around the lake, many of which were allegedly being used as hideouts and operational bases for activities ranging from terrorism to drug trafficking and human smuggling.

However, the issue of Chandola demolition seems to be gradually taking on a political colour. Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar and Opposition Leader Shehzad Khan Pathan have made a representation to the Chief Minister to stop the demolition work. Shailesh Parmar said that we are with the government in the action against Bangladeshis, but people of all religions have been living in the Chandola area for the last 50 years. The demolition work is being done illegally.

On Wednesday, the demolition work was started from the side towards Danilimda. During this, some people were seen vacating the house on their own, while some people created a ruckus. Lack of coordination between the police and the corporation was also seen during the work. A police van was stuck in a ditch, while the health of a female constable on duty deteriorated.

Government’s Zero-Tolerance Approach

Under the direct instructions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, the state has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal infiltrators. Following a high-level meeting on April 25, senior officials from the Home Department, Police, and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation laid out an aggressive action plan to reclaim public land and neutralize potential threats.

More than 2,000 hutments, three illegal resorts, and various unauthorized commercial structures were razed in a coordinated effort involving 2,000 police officers, 15 State Reserve Police companies, 1,800 municipal workers, and heavy machinery including 74 JCBs.

Focus on Security and National Integrity

A senior government spokesperson stated, “This is not just a demolition drive; it is a strategic move to safeguard national security. The infiltration of illegal Bangladeshi migrants is not a mere immigration issue—it is closely tied to terrorist networks, forged documents, drug cartels, and human trafficking syndicates.”

This area came under increased scrutiny after the Gujarat ATS arrested four Bangladeshi nationals linked to the terrorist group AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent) last year. These individuals were found living in illegally constructed shelters near Chandola Lake. Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are ongoing, with links emerging to broader regional terror networks such as Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

Reclaiming Public Land for Public Good

In addition to security concerns, the Gujarat government emphasized its commitment to urban renewal and environmental restoration. Chandola Lake, once a vital ecological water body and cultural landmark, had suffered severe degradation due to years of illegal encroachments.

“Chandola Lake belongs to the people of Ahmedabad, not to infiltrators and criminals,” said a municipal official. “This drive is the first step in reviving the lake and transforming the area into a safe, clean, and vibrant public space.”

Action Against Forged Documents and Human Trafficking

During the operation, authorities uncovered extensive use of forged documents among the illegal residents, including fake ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and even Indian passports. Ahmedabad City Crime Branch is preparing charges related to money laundering and illegal fund transfers to Bangladesh.

Furthermore, the demolition also disrupted a major human trafficking and prostitution network that had operated for years. Victims, often Bangladeshi women brought in under false pretenses, were forced into exploitation and criminal labor.