AMC Demolition Drive in Ahmedabad Sparks Self-Immolation, woman critical

Ahmedabad | Gujarat -– A demolition drive by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Estate Department in Jashodanagar on August 14 turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy when a woman set herself on fire in protest. The woman, identified as Narmadaben Kumawat, wife of a local businessman, suffered over 80% burns and is battling for life at Maninagar’s LG Hospital.

Eyewitnesses claim the AMC team had come to demolish a shop instead of conducting a scheduled road inspection. As tensions escalated, locals gathered in large numbers, confronting the officials. In the midst of the confrontation, Narmadaben reportedly poured kerosene on herself and lit a match, ignoring desperate attempts from bystanders to stop her.

“She was screaming about injustice and harassment. Some people tried to pull the matchbox from her hands, but she fought them off. By the time we managed to douse the flames, she was severely burnt,”said an eyewitness shop owner, visibly shaken.

Bribery Allegations Against AMC Officials

The incident has triggered a wave of anger among the local business community, with traders openly accusing AMC officials of corruption.

“We turned this Congress stronghold into a BJP stronghold by voting for the BJP. Now, you are harassing traders in the name of demolition. You are asking for ₹2 lakh from each trader. Even after taking money twice, you have come to demolish our shops,”alleged a local trader, claiming big illegal constructions are ignored while small businesses are targeted.

According to members of the Jashodanagar Traders Association, AMC officials have been selectively targeting small shopkeepers while allowing large-scale “number two” businesses to operate without interference.

Police Investigation Underway

The Vatva GIDC police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into both the self-immolation attempt and the alleged misconduct by AMC officials.

“The woman’s condition is critical. We are recording statements of eyewitnesses and reviewing CCTV footage to understand the exact sequence of events,”said a police officer from Vatva GIDC station.

Traders Launch Agitation

The Jashodanagar Traders Association has declared an indefinite protest until justice is served.

“Our agitation has started today and will continue until the aggrieved trader and his family get justice. We condemn what happened and demand action against those responsible,”said a spokesperson for the association.

Hundreds of traders marched to the Vatva GIDC police station in a show of solidarity, demanding accountability and an immediate halt to AMC’s demolition drive in the area.