Ahmedabad Mob Attack: Authorities Demolish Illegal Homes Of 6 Accused, Deploy 800 Cops

Ahmedabad Mob Attack: Inspector SB Chaudhari of Ramol police station stated that 14 persons, one of them a minor, were arrested following a mob attack on some passersby with sticks and swords.

Authorities in Ahmedabad on Saturday demolished 'illegally constructed' houses belonging to six out of the 14 individuals arrested for attacking commuters and rioting, police said.

According to a report by news agency PTI, Inspector SB Chaudhari of Ramol police station confirmed that 14 persons, one of them a minor, were arrested following a mob attack on some passersby with sticks and swords, resulting in injury of three and many vehicles damaged.

Following an investigation, officials found that six of the arrested individuals had built illegal structures in the Amraiwadi and Khokhra areas, leading to their demolition. They added that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation carried out a demolition drive amid heavy police presence.

"The AMC is taking action to remove these illegal constructions. Around 700-800 police personnel are deployed at these sites, and senior police officers have also visited the sites," a police official stated.

Family members of the accused attempted to protest but were controlled by law enforcement, ensuring the demolition proceeded without disruption. The rioting incident took place on Thursday night when a group of 20 men armed with sticks, swords, and knives vandalised vehicles and attacked individuals in the Vastral locality.

FIR Registered

The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint by Alap Soni, who described how his family’s outing to celebrate his parents' wedding anniversary turned into a horrific experience when they were attacked by the mob.

As per the FIR, one of the accused launched an attack, stabbing the complainant on the back of his neck and his left hand. Similarly, another accused stabbed his cousin. In addition, they also damaged their vehicle, including others parked on the roadside, before fleeing.

The accused were charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including attempted murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, and wrongful restraint. 

Meanwhile, purported videos surfaced online showing police publicly flogging some of the accused. When questioned, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Baldev Desai stated he was unaware of the incident.

Following the violence, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay held a video conference with senior officers, directing them to compile a list of "anti-social elements" in each police station's jurisdiction within 100 hours and take strict action against them.

The directive includes identifying repeat offenders involved in violent crimes, extortion, intimidation, property crimes, and illegal activities such as gambling and bootlegging.

Authorities have also been instructed to crack down on unauthorised construction, encroachments on government land, and illegal electricity connections linked to these individuals. If those on bail are found engaging in further illegal activities, officials have been advised to seek cancellation of their bail.

BJP Leader Appreciates Administration Role Against Miscreants 

Reacting over the police action, BJP leader Vishnu Vardhan Reddy lauds the effort put by the administration against those who created havoc and attacked the innocent.

"The miscreants who created havoc in Ahmedabad, destroying public property and attacking innocent people just a day before Holi are now facing the well-deserved consequences! Swift and decisive action by the Gujarat Govt & Police ensures that such acts of hooliganism are not tolerated. This is how law and order should be upheld! Kudos to the Gujarat administration for standing strong against chaos!" Reddy said in a post on X.