Gujarat Police Detain Over 550 Illegal Immigrants in Massive Crackdown Across Ahmedabad & Surat
Ahmedabad/Surat, 26 April 2025: In a major crackdown on illegal immigration, Gujarat Police detained more than 550 foreign nationals, mostly from Bangladesh, in coordinated raids across Ahmedabad and Surat early this morning. The operation, one of the largest in recent years, targeted individuals residing illegally in the state using fake documents.
Ahmedabad: 457 Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Overnight Combing Operation
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), conducted a massive combing operation in multiple localities, including Vatva, Nikol, Ramol, and Isanpur, where a high concentration of illegal immigrants was reported.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sharad Singhal confirmed that 457 infiltrators were detained during the operation. “All those arrested are being interrogated, and necessary legal action will be taken. They will be deported as per procedure,” he said.
Authorities revealed that many of the detained individuals had been living in Ahmedabad for years, working in construction, garment factories, and other informal sectors using forged identity documents like Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards.
Surat: Over 100 Bangladeshi Nationals Held in Multi-Location Raids
Simultaneously, Surat Police launched a similar operation across six police station areas—Udhana, Katargam, Mahidharpura, Pandesara, Salabatpura, and Limbayat—leading to the detention of over 100 Bangladeshi nationals.
Police sources indicated that many of these individuals had been residing in Surat for several years, blending into the local population while working in textile units, diamond polishing workshops, and daily wage jobs. Fake documents were allegedly used to secure housing and employment.
Authorities Vow Strict Action, Deportation Process Initiated
State officials have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration. Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay stated, “Such operations will continue to identify and deport those staying illegally. We are also investigating networks involved in facilitating fake documents.”
The detained individuals are being processed under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and will likely face deportation after verification by foreigner tribunals and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Public & Political Reactions
The crackdown has sparked mixed reactions. While some locals praised the police action, citing concerns over security and job losses, activists have raised questions about due process and humanitarian considerations.
As investigations continue, authorities have warned businesses and landlords against employing or housing individuals without valid documents, stating that legal action will be taken against facilitators.
