Following stone-pelting during a Garba event in Bahiyal village, Gandhinagar, the administration demolished 190 illegal shops and arrested over 66 people. Police heightened security and continued surveillance.
Gandhinagar: The administration has taken strict action following violent incidents during a Navratri Garba program in Bahiyal village, Gandhinagar. Stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson at shops during the Garba event had caused tension in the area. To control this situation, the administration demolished 190 illegal shops using bulldozers and arrested over 66 people. Police stated that the entire operation was conducted swiftly and systematically to maintain security.
Administration Issued Notices
Before taking action against illegal encroachers, the administration had issued notices to approximately 190 illegal traders throughout the area. The notices gave them a final deadline of two days to present their construction-related documents. This deadline expired on Wednesday evening. During this period, no encroacher submitted the necessary documents to the Deputy Executive Engineer of the Road and Building Department, Dahegam, and Capital Planning Sub-Division. Consequently, the operation to remove illegal constructions with the help of bulldozers began this morning under strict police security.
SP Provided Campaign Details
Gandhinagar SP Ravi Teja Vasamsetty stated that action is being taken against a total of 186 commercial establishments in Bahiyal village. He mentioned that the SDM, Panchayat officials, and 300 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order during the demolition drive. He informed that the commercial properties of individuals involved in the stone-pelting incident a few days ago were identified, and action is being taken against them today.
Notices to Encroachers and Bulldozer Action
Out of a total of 190 encroachers, notices were issued to 135 on Raipur Ghamij Karoli Road, while 51 encroachers received notices on Bahiyal Road. Officials are working to remove illegal encroachments with the help of bulldozers. Police reported that they became active immediately upon receiving information about the violent incident. In this case, charges have been filed against 83 named individuals and a crowd of 200 people. So far, over 66 suspects have been arrested and sent to jail.
Incident Preceding Stone-Pelting at Garba
It was reported that a banner reading ‘I Love Muhammad’ was displayed in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Similar banners were also posted on social media. A Hindu youth from Bahiyal village near Gandhinagar commented on these posts. Subsequently, Muslim youths from Bahiyal became enraged and vandalized and set fire to the youth's shop and nearby shops. After this, they proceeded to the marquee where Navratri Garba was being played and pelted stones. Following this incident, the atmosphere in the entire area became tense.
Role of Administration's Security Measures
Police and administration stated that security had already been heightened to deal with such violent incidents. There was intense police surveillance during the bulldozer operation. The SP said that strict action would be taken against any elements spreading violence or tension. He appealed to citizens to maintain peace and immediately report any illegal activity to the police.
Local Residents' Reaction
Local residents and traders appeared satisfied with the administration's action. They stated that illegal shops and constructions often led to increased disputes and and violence in the area. It is hoped that a degree of peace will return to the atmosphere after the removal of illegal encroachments by bulldozers.
