Following the recent stone-pelting and arson during Navratri festivities in Bahiyal village of Dehgam taluka, the Gandhinagar district administration launched a major crackdown on unauthorised structures linked to those involved in the unrest.
Early Thursday, teams from the Roads and Buildings Department, supported by local police, began demolishing nearly 186 illegal commercial establishments along the village&rsquo;s main roads. Bulldozers and JCB machines were deployed under heavy police supervision to ensure safety and prevent further clashes.
Officials stated that prior notices had been issued to approximately 190 property owners earlier this week, instructing them to present valid ownership documents by Wednesday evening. None complied, prompting authorities to move ahead with the demolition drive.
Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty said the operation is being conducted jointly by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and officers from both the R&amp;B (Panchayat) and R&amp;B (State) departments. &ldquo;Out of the 186 structures being removed, nearly 50 belong to individuals named in recent violence cases. Around 300 police personnel are deployed to maintain order during the operation,&rdquo; he added.
The first phase targets commercial properties, while unauthorised residential buildings are expected to be addressed in a second phase post-Diwali. Authorities emphasized that the drive is part of a broader effort to enforce law, prevent illegal construction, and curb communal unrest.
The Bahiyal violence erupted on the second night of Navratri over a social media dispute, escalating into stone-pelting during Garba events and arson that destroyed four shops. Police have so far arrested 66 individuals, with heavy deployment continuing as the demolition proceeds under strict supervision.

After Navratri Riots,Bahiyal Sees Bulldozer Action

Nearly 190 encroachments targeted in Bahiyal following Navratri unrest

After Navratri Riots,Bahiyal Sees Bulldozer Action

Nearly 190 encroachments targeted in Bahiyal following Navratri unrest

October 9, 2025 | 16:20 IST