Ahmedabad Police Launches Massive Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants
In the still darkness of early morning, Ahmedabad witnessed a rare, large-scale police operation aimed at rooting out foreign immigrants residing illegally within the city. Starting at 3 AM, a highly coordinated combing effort by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, along with teams from the SOG (Special Operations Group), EOW (Economic Offenses Wing), Zone 6 Police, and the Headquarters division, detained over 400 individuals suspected to be living without valid documents.
This is one of the largest anti-immigration drives in recent years in Gujarat, raising both security awareness and human rights concerns in equal measure.
“Illegal Presence Poses Risk”: DCP Ajit Rajian
A Pre-Planned Strategic Operation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Crime Branch, Ajit Rajian, while speaking to the press, stated,
“This was a planned and coordinated operation across multiple zones of Ahmedabad. The presence of undocumented foreign nationals poses not just legal but also national security concerns. Over 400 such individuals have been detained for further inquiry.”
According to officials, intelligence inputs were gathered over weeks, and surveillance was conducted silently to identify key localities. Once the information was verified, teams fanned out to different zones, working under the cover of night to avoid public panic and resistance.
Who Are These Detainees?
Migrants, Refugees, or Criminal Elements?
While authorities have yet to release a full demographic profile of the detainees, sources indicate that a majority hail from neighboring countries, possibly including Bangladesh, Myanmar (Rohingya), and African nations. Officials emphasized that this operation was not aimed at any specific community or religion, but purely on legal documentation and residency status.
“We are verifying their identities, background, and whether any of them are involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking or human smuggling,” said one senior officer under anonymity.
A Sensitive Human Story Behind the Crackdown
Families in Fear, Children in Tears
As police vans rolled through neighborhoods, women clutched their infants, and men pleaded for time to show documents. In some localities, where families have lived for years, this sudden midnight knock triggered fear and confusion.
Fatima, a 38-year-old woman from a low-income colony in Sarkhej, said,
“We’ve lived here since my youngest son was born. He goes to school here. My husband works as a cleaner. Why are we being treated like criminals?”
These stories echo a larger issue of undocumented migration, but also the humanity behind those who cross borders in search of hope.
Legal Process Begins
Verification, Detention, and Deportation?
The detained individuals are currently undergoing verification. Those found without proper visas, passports, or asylum status are likely to face detention under the Foreigners Act. Legal experts suggest that depending on their background and international treaties, some may be deported, while others might be granted temporary refugee status or court protection.
Immigration lawyers in Ahmedabad have already begun preparing to file petitions for those who might be eligible for relief.
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions
Safety vs. Compassion
Ahmedabad residents have shown mixed reactions. Some expressed relief, citing rising concerns over illegal activities, while others called for more compassionate, transparent handling of such sensitive cases.
“We understand the legal angle, but these people are also human beings. If they are peaceful, why not regularize them?” asked Jayesh Patel, a local shopkeeper.
On the other hand, some housing societies have been raising flags about illegal rentals, claiming they unknowingly leased property to undocumented foreigners.
