In a major crackdown on Thursday, Ahmedabad police, in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), deployed 400 police personnel in the Rakhial area around 10 am to carry out a demolition drive targeting illegal properties. The operation focused on the residence of Sarwar, alias Khadvo, a key accused in a recent sword attack and police assault incident.  

The demolition drive was executed as part of an effort to dismantle unlawful structures and send a stern message against criminal activities. Sarwar, the accused, had been involved in a violent episode in December where a mob attacked police personnel and locals near Noor Mahal Hotel in Rakhial.

The December Incident

The chaos unfolded on December 19 when an armed group confronted photographer Saddamuddin Sheikh and his cousin Sohail, demanding information about Saddamuddin’s brother Salman, a convict who had absconded after jumping parole. The attackers, wielding swords, chased the duo, creating panic in the locality.  

Later that night, the violence escalated near Banagar Char Rasta in Bapunagar when police officers responded to a distress call. The mob ambushed the police, vandalised their vehicle, shattered its windshield, and looted ₹5,000 in cash.  

In the aftermath, Ahmedabad police arrested four individuals involved in the attack: Sameer alias Chikna Shaikh, Fazal Shaikh, Altaf alias Junam Shaikh, and Mehfuz Miya. However, Sarwar and another accused, Anil Rajput, managed to evade capture at that time.

“The illegal property belonged to Sarwar, and who was absconding after the attack which happened in Rakhial. We have deployed around 400 personnel to make sure everything goes smoothly," ACP RD Oza stated.

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