Gujarat : 166 Bangladeshis Detained in Ahmedabad as Gujarat Intensifies Statewide Crackdown

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A massive statewide operation against suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants has swept across Gujarat, leading to the detention of hundreds of individuals and exposing alleged networks used to transfer money across borders. The action comes just five days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a gathering in Gandhinagar’s Sonipur on May 28, declared that every infiltrator would be identified and removed from the country.

On June 2, police teams across Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and several other cities launched coordinated search operations that continued late into the night. In Ahmedabad alone, nearly 300 suspects were detained for verification, with police confirming that 166 individuals were Bangladeshi nationals.

Investigators claim that preliminary questioning has revealed a network through which earnings made in Gujarat were allegedly routed to Kolkata through Angadia channels before being sent to Bangladesh. Police are also probing the use of mobile applications that were allegedly used to facilitate money transfers across the border.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik personally visited the Crime Branch headquarters and questioned several detainees. Officials said he sought details regarding their arrival in India, border crossings, duration of stay, residential locations and employment activities.

“During the operation, 300 suspects were detained, of which 166 were confirmed to be Bangladeshi nationals. The agents who facilitated their entry are also under investigation,” Malik said.

According to police, the confirmed detainees include 41 men, 95 women and 30 children. Authorities believe some entered India only months ago, while others have been residing in Gujarat for several years. Investigators are examining the role of agents who allegedly arranged documents, transportation and accommodation.

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch, SOG and local police teams carried out raids in Danilimda, Chandola, Gulabnagar, Khodiyarnagar, Vatva, Ramol, Odhav, Nikol and Naroda. Officials said that after previous operations in Chandola, many suspects had dispersed across different parts of the city and were allegedly living under changed identities in rented homes, slums, hotels and labour accommodations.

One dramatic incident unfolded at a spa centre in Odhav’s Crystal Complex. Police said a manager allegedly fled before the raid and locked the premises from outside. As officers attempted to gain entry, several women reportedly tried to escape through windows, creating scenes witnesses described as resembling a movie chase.

The crackdown extended beyond Ahmedabad. In Surat, Crime Branch and SOG teams conducted raids in Limbayat, Pandesara and Bhathena, detaining more than 50 suspects for verification. In Rajkot, ten police teams questioned 272 individuals identified through records provided by the Home Department. Officials said many possessed work permits, while investigations continue against those unable to furnish valid identity documents.

Police have indicated that legal action will be initiated against individuals found without valid visas or other mandatory documents. Authorities also confirmed that investigations into alleged immigration facilitators and financial networks are ongoing.