Disturbed Areas Act Row: Surat Khatri–Ghanchi Residents Allege Property Price Cartel

Surat | Gujarat — A major storm is brewing in Surat as members of the Khatri and Ghanchi communities accuse powerful political and real-estate interests of misusing the Disturbed Areas (Ashantdhara) Act to depress property prices and force families out of the old walled city. What began as murmurs of unfair pricing has now turned into a full-blown civic controversy, fuelled by the recent barricade dispute at Zampa Bazaar.

Residents allege that ancestral homes in historic neighbourhoods such as Begampura, Bhagal, Golwad and Mahidharpura are being systematically undervalued. According to community sources, homeowners are being offered around ₹85,000 per square yard for properties that are later resold for nearly three times the price.

“This is not a market trend — this is organised exploitation,” said a leader of Khatri community. “We are being pressured to sell cheap under the cover of the Disturbed Areas Act. The same houses are then flipped at massive profits. People are asking the same question — who is pocketing the difference?”

From Property Concerns to Public Protest

Tensions escalated dramatically when barricades suddenly appeared on a busy lane near Zampa Bazaar, restricting vehicular movement and forcing residents to take detours of up to two kilometres. The road closure triggered outrage and quickly became symbolic of broader frustrations.

Leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and members of the Bohra community jointly submitted a representation to the mayor demanding immediate intervention. Within days, the Surat Municipal Corporation ordered an inquiry, removed the barricades and cancelled the earlier standing committee resolution that restricted vehicular access.

“This road is used by hundreds daily. Blocking it without proper coordination created unnecessary hardship,” said community leader Zehraben Cyclewala. “The administration had to act after citizens raised their voice.”

Migration Dreams Stuck in Limbo

For many families, the controversy goes beyond a single road or regulation. Residents say they want to move to emerging residential areas such as Vesu, Pal and Adajan but cannot do so because they are unable to secure fair prices for their old properties.

Dr. Pankaj Gandhi, a researcher from SVNIT and community member, said the issue has created a sense of economic entrapment. “People want to upgrade their lives and move to modern areas, but they are stuck. We are not getting the same value offered to other communities. A transparent and fixed pricing mechanism is urgently needed.”

A Community with Deep Roots

The Khatri and Ghanchi communities — often called the “Jolly Surti Lalas” — are deeply woven into Surat’s history, traditionally linked to textiles, trade and the city’s famous culinary culture. With a combined population exceeding six lakh, they have long been part of the social and economic backbone of the old city.

Community elders say the current situation threatens not only livelihoods but also heritage. “This is about more than real estate. It is about identity, legacy and fairness,” said a senior resident of Begampura.