In the ongoing Gujarat Legislative Assembly session, concerns were raised over the crime surge in the state despite the government’s claim that they are taking strict action against the criminals.

Congress leader Amit Chavda raised concerns about the rising crimes in the state. He claimed that the government’s lies have been revealed. On one hand, the government admits to sealing 2,200 illegal mining pits, but on the other, it has only issued 30 legal mining leases. 

He further alleged that bribery is a norm in the mining department, allowing the mining mafia to operate fearlessly.

In Surendranagar, out of the 30 legal leases covering 78 hectares, there are reportedly over 300 illegal mines. These illegal operations are said to extract 1,000 tonnes of coal daily, adding up to 20,000 tonnes of coal being illegally mined and sold every day. Chavda accused officials of taking bribes worth crores, which led to heated arguments between BJP and opposition MLAs in the Assembly.

The uproar escalated, and Speaker Shankar Chaudhary intervened, stating that accusations without evidence cannot be made in the Assembly. Meanwhile, a government minister responded by saying that the government regularly maps mining leases and, based on 12 mapped leases, complaints and applications were reviewed.

The opposition also alleged  that criminals, including land mafias and anti-social elements, are thriving without any fear of legal action against them.

Recent incidents in Surat and Navsari have raised serious concerns about the state’s law and order situation. In just one night, the region witnessed one kidnapping, seven thefts, and an abduction, while police have failed to arrest 198 wanted criminals.