Is Gandhinagar’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) turning into a party town? The so-called “hub of infotech” and “development” is now reportedly becoming a popular venue for drug-fuelled raves that last well into the night. 

Ahead of New Year’s Day, the state government introduced liquor access permits and temporary permits for visitors at ₹1,000 per annum to attract investments. The access to legal alcohol had the desired effect of increased club memberships and youth interest in working there. 

However, a recent “Nightwave” event on July 20–21 has sparked comparisons to Goa’s techno party scene. Political parties allege that this  was the most recent in a string of “late-night drug-fuelled” parties organised at GIFT City, under the guise of techno events. 

Cops in the know?

These allegations come amid a recent crackdown on drugs in Gujarat, with at least three operations targeting party drug mephedrone (MD drugs) in the past two weeks. 

Questions have also arisen about police awareness of these activities in the dry state’s capital city.  

GIFT City’s apparent evolution from a financial hub to an emerging nightlife destination presents a complex challenge for law-enforcement authorities. Balancing the state’s dry status and anti-drug stance with the push for economic growth and youth appeal creates a delicate situation. The coming months may prove crucial in determining whether GIFT City can maintain its development goals while addressing these emerging concerns about late-night revelry and alleged substance abuse. 

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