Demolition drive sparks outcry in Gujarat: 186 shops razed in Gandhinagar after Navratri clashes
Gandhinagar: In what critics have termed a collective punishment, the Gujarat administration has demolished 186 commercial structures in Gandhinagar district’s Bahiyal village, allegedly belonging to individuals accused of participating in a communal clash during the recent Navratri celebrations.
The demolition, carried out on Thursday under heavy police deployment, followed a September 24 incident in which a social media post reportedly triggered tensions between communities, leading to stone pelting and property damage. Officials claimed that the razed establishments were “illegal constructions” linked to those involved in the violence.
According to Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty, the authorities identified the properties as part of an “encroachment removal drive.”
“Today, 186 business establishments in Dahegam taluka were demolished. We have identified illegal properties belonging to those involved in last month’s disturbances. Nearly 50 of the accused are habitual offenders,” he said.
Over 300 police personnel were deployed during the operation, which took place in the presence of sub-divisional magistrates and panchayat officials.
However, rights groups and local residents have raised serious concerns over the timing and intent of the demolition, arguing that it amounts to extra-judicial retribution targeting a particular community. Critics say such “bulldozer justice” bypasses due legal process and deepens existing fault lines instead of restoring peace.
The September 24 violence, which erupted over an objectionable social media post, had resulted in extensive damage to shops and vehicles. Police detained around 60 people, alleging that over 200 individuals were involved in the unrest.
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Rupee falls 9 paise to all-time low of 90.58 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai (PTI): Rupee depreciated 9 paise to an all-time low of 90.58 against US dollar in early trade on Monday, weighed down by uncertainty over an India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows.
Forex traders said rupee is trading with a negative bias as investors are in wait and watch mode and awaiting cues from the India-US trade deal front.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 90.53 against the US dollar, then fell further to an all-time intraday low of 90.58 against the greenback, registering a fall of 9 paise over its previous close.
On Friday, the rupee had slipped 17 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.49 against the American currency.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.05 per cent lower at 98.35.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 0.52 per cent at USD 61.44 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share benchmark index Sensex was trading 298.86 points lower at 84,968.80, while the Nifty was down 121.40 points at 25,925.55.
Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 1,114.22 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.
"FPIs continue to be in selling mode in equity and debt while RBI has been selling dollars to fund their long positions," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
