Gujarat Police Crackdown: 7612 criminals identified, illegal structures bulldozed 

Ahmedabad : After the terror caused by gangsters on Holi night in Vastral in Ahmedabad, the state government woke up and the Director General of Police (DGP) gave an ultimatum of 100 hours to all district police chiefs and police commissioners to prepare a list of criminals. The order, issued at 3 pm on March 15, required the completion of the list by 7 pm on March 19, leading to the revelation of the ‘Gangs of Gujarat.’

Gujarat Police has swiftly acted on this directive, compiling a comprehensive list of 7612 criminals from various districts, including the four major cities, and has begun breaking down the criminal networks. Actions are being taken under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act and through the externment of hardcore criminals. Furthermore, gangsters involved in constructing illegal structures are being investigated and these structures are being demolished, starting with operations in Ahmedabad.

In a notable development, the infamous Manpasand Gymkhana in Dariapur, Ahmedabad, known for its illegal gambling activities, has come under scrutiny. Despite multiple raids by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the police, it was only recently discovered that the third floor of this club was illegally constructed. Following this revelation, the AMC finally took action and demolished the illegal floor. The owner, Govind Patel alias Gama Patel, had previously evaded strict measures despite repeated law enforcement interventions.

The crackdown on Manpasand Gymkhana underscores a broader effort by Gujarat Police to dismantle organized crime hubs. Over the past two years, the police have conducted major raids on this facility, resulting in the arrest of over 200 gamblers. Plans are now underway to permanently shut down Manpasand Gymkhana, which has posed significant enforcement challenges due to its sophisticated operations.

State Police Chief Vikas Sahay convened a crucial meeting via video conference on March 15, directing district police chiefs, police commissioners, and range Inspector Generals to compile the criminal list within the stipulated 100 hours. By the deadline of March 19, 7 pm, the police had successfully identified and documented 7612 criminals statewide, detailing their involvement in various criminal activities.

Vadodara City Police identified 825 criminals, including 377 bootleggers and cases related to property, personal crimes, and gambling.

Rajkot Police compiled a list of 756 criminals, with charges ranging from property offenses to prohibition violations, including the notorious bootlegger Altaf alias Chas Pind.

In Surat, under the guidance of the Police Commissioner, a list of 1400 criminals was prepared, targeting hardcore elements involved in organized crime. Plans are in place to seize their properties in coordination with municipal authorities and initiate demolition proceedings.

The proactive measures by Gujarat Police aim to curb criminal activities significantly, targeting both individuals and structures that facilitate illegal operations. The crackdown underscores a renewed commitment to maintaining law and order across the state, ensuring safer communities and stricter enforcement against criminal elements.