New Delhi: A fact-finding report by the Gujarat chapter of Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has raised serious concerns over a large-scale demolition drive conducted in Beyt Dwarka, alleging that it disproportionately targeted the Muslim community and violated constitutional and legal provisions. The demolition, carried out in three phases between January 11 and 18, resulted in the destruction of 525 structures, including homes, mosques, and temples, across 1.27 lakh square meters of land valued at ₹73 crore, without any alternative arrangements for the displaced families.
According to the APCR report, the demolition drive was conducted by the district administration, forest department, and police with little to no notice, leaving hundreds homeless and depriving over 400 children of education as a local primary school was also demolished. The report was released at a press conference on January 27 in Ahmedabad by APCR Gujarat President Shamshad Khan Pathan, along with social activist Sheeba George, cultural activist Swaroop Druv, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) national secretary Prasad Chako, advocate Hozefa Ujjaini, and APCR Gujarat unit secretary Ikram Mirza.
The report asserted that nearly 90% of the demolished structures belonged to Muslims. Residents, who had lived in the area for 30 to 40 years, claimed they were not involved in illegal activities. However, the demolitions were carried out with notices issued only one to twelve hours in advance, violating Supreme Court guidelines that mandate a 15-day notice period.
Advocate Hozefa Ujjaini criticised the lack of transparency, stating that government authorities provided no clear justification for the demolitions and instead promoted false narratives against Muslims. “The government’s actions fuel Hindu-Muslim polarisation, diverting attention from pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and economic distress,” he said.
While officials justified the drive as a crackdown on unauthorised constructions and a measure to enhance national security due to Beyt Dwarka’s proximity to international waters, the report refuted these claims, noting that only two narcotics-related cases had been reported in the region. The Gujarat Minority Coordination Committee also condemned the demolitions in a letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, emphasising that anti-encroachment measures should not be applied selectively based on religious identity.
The APCR report further highlighted the economic devastation caused by the drive, particularly for Muslim fishermen, whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed. Additionally, it criticised the construction of the Sudarshan Setu bridge, which, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), lacked environmental clearance and threatened local livelihoods by favouring corporate interests.
Residents alleged that Hindu-owned properties were largely spared, while Muslim homes bore the brunt of the demolitions. The media was also accused of trivialising the crisis by using sensationalist headlines like “Baba ka Bulldozer” and “Dada ka Bulldozer.”
The fact-finding team has called for immediate rehabilitation of affected families, financial assistance for displaced residents, and government accountability for the violations. It also recommended that religious sites, including those registered under Waqf, be protected and restored if they were found to be legal.
APCR Gujarat President Shamshad Khan Pathan vowed continued protests if the injustices persisted, stating that development should not come at the cost of human rights and livelihoods.
