Gujarat : Nasir Nagar ‘Ghost Demolition’ Haunts Surat as Government Launches Secret Probe 

Surat | Gujarat —  What began as the demolition of more than 100 homes in Surat’s Nasir Nagar settlement has now exploded into one of Gujarat’s most politically sensitive controversies, with the state government launching a confidential investigation into what local leaders have dubbed a “ghost demolition” — an operation allegedly carried out with bulldozers, police protection and municipal machinery, yet without any department accepting responsibility.

Nearly two weeks after families were rendered homeless near Ved Road, the central question remains unanswered: Who ordered the demolition?

The silence from authorities has only deepened suspicions of collusion between officials of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), Surat Police’s Special Operation Group (SOG), and unidentified builder interests allegedly seeking to benefit from the clearance of strategically located land.

According to sources, the seriousness of the allegations has prompted the Gujarat government to bypass local law enforcement and order a top-secret inquiry. In a significant move, Surat Police has reportedly been kept away from the investigation due to concerns that some officers themselves are under scrutiny.

A senior Surat Rural police officer has been tasked with gathering evidence and preparing a confidential report for the Home Department in Gandhinagar. Investigators are reportedly collecting information through discreet local inquiries, phone records and field verification to determine who orchestrated the controversial operation.

The controversy has also reached the highest political levels. Newly appointed SMC office-bearers, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Standing Committee Chairman and ruling party leaders, were suddenly summoned to Gandhinagar for a closed-door meeting where details of the demolition and its aftermath were reportedly reviewed.

The issue gained statewide attention after local MLA Vinu Mordia publicly described the operation as a “ghost demolition,” claiming it was not an officially sanctioned action of the municipal corporation. His demand for a high-level investigation is believed to have accelerated the government’s response.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress has launched a blistering attack on the administration. Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda issued a three-day ultimatum demanding criminal action against those responsible.

“If the Municipal Corporation did not carry out this demolition, then who is this ‘Mr. India’ who used bulldozers on the homes of poor families under police protection?” Chavda asked. “This points either to a contract-driven demolition or a major scam involving a builder lobby and corrupt officials.”

He further alleged that police personnel, municipal authorities and politically connected individuals may have acted together to benefit private interests.

“More than 100 houses were demolished without notice, yet no officer is willing to say who ordered it. The Municipal Commissioner denies responsibility, the Police Commissioner offers no explanation, and nobody answers who sought police protection for the operation,” Chavda said.

Congress leaders have demanded FIRs against all officials involved, including police officers who allegedly facilitated the demolition. They have also called for land-grabbing charges and immediate rehabilitation for affected families.