Migration – Ahmedabad Operation Leads to Detention of Hundreds During Verification Drive
Migration – A large-scale overnight operation carried out by Ahmedabad Police and the Crime Branch resulted in the detention of more than 290 individuals suspected of residing in the city without valid legal status. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that 131 people have already been identified as Bangladeshi nationals following preliminary verification conducted during coordinated searches in several localities, including Chandola, Gulabnagar, and Khodiyarnagar.
Extensive Search Conducted Across Multiple Areas
The enforcement action began late at night and involved teams from different police units working simultaneously across several parts of Ahmedabad. Authorities said the operation was aimed at locating individuals suspected of staying in the city without proper documentation. Officers carried out identity checks and collected records for detailed examination as part of a broader effort to verify residency status.
According to officials involved in the operation, those taken into custody have been transported to Crime Branch facilities where their documents, identification records, and other relevant information are being reviewed. Investigators are continuing to examine each case individually before making further decisions.
Verification Process Continues
Crime Branch officials stated that 131 individuals have so far been confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals after initial scrutiny. In addition, around 160 other detainees remain under questioning while authorities verify their identities and backgrounds.
Officials indicated that the number of confirmed cases could rise as the verification process progresses. Investigators are cross-checking available documents with government records and other sources to establish nationality and legal residency status.
Previous Actions in Chandola Region
The latest operation follows a series of enforcement measures undertaken in Ahmedabad during the past year. Authorities had previously focused attention on areas surrounding Chandola Lake, where concerns had been raised regarding unauthorized settlements and undocumented residents.
During earlier drives conducted jointly by Gujarat Police and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, thousands of people were screened as part of efforts to identify individuals living in the city without legal authorization. Official records from those operations showed that more than 6,500 people were detained for verification across various locations, including approximately 890 individuals in Ahmedabad.
Many of those detained during earlier campaigns underwent extensive questioning while officials reviewed nationality records and supporting documents.
Action Against Unauthorized Structures
Following those investigations, civic authorities launched demolition drives targeting structures considered to be illegally constructed around the Chandola Lake area. The lake is recognized as a protected water body, and officials stated that encroachments in the vicinity had become a matter of concern.
Heavy machinery was deployed to remove thousands of unauthorized buildings and temporary structures. Authorities maintained that the action was taken in accordance with existing regulations governing protected land and public resources.
Officials also noted that individuals whose nationality and legal status were established through due process were subsequently processed according to applicable immigration and administrative procedures.
Broader Focus on Border and Immigration Enforcement
The Ahmedabad operation reflects a wider national emphasis on immigration enforcement and border management. In recent years, the central government has increased efforts to identify undocumented foreign nationals and strengthen monitoring mechanisms in areas considered vulnerable to illegal entry.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, steps have been taken to support ongoing border infrastructure projects. Authorities have continued coordinating with security agencies to facilitate fencing work along sections of the India-Bangladesh border that have historically been viewed as sensitive due to unauthorized cross-border movement.
Officials say such measures are intended to improve border surveillance, support law enforcement efforts, and ensure compliance with immigration regulations across the country.