According to Malik, an FIR is being registered against Mehmood Pathan alias Lallu Bihari, the alleged mastermind behind the encroachment on government land at Chandola Lake.He also allegedly helped illegal Bangladeshi immigrants get rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards, according to officials. “We have deployed 2,000 policemen along with 20 companies of the State Reserve Police (SRP) to assist the AMC in clearing illegal constructions at Chandola Lake, which includes areas like Siyasatnagar and Bengali Vaas. Police in the entire city have also been put on alert. Strict action will be taken if anyone tries to take the law into their hands,” Malik said.He claimed the minority community residing near the lake wants the authorities to take action against Bangladeshi immigrants living in illegal settlements.The top cop said the authorities have also razed Pathan’s farmhouse built illegally on the banks of the lake.”We have started the process of registering a first information report against Pathan. He helped illegal immigrants get accommodations using bogus rent agreements and procured Aadhaar cards. It is also suspected that some people in the area had also acquired passports,” Malik said.Deputy Municipal Commissioner DC Parmar said nearly 2,000 illegally built houses and other properties were identified for demolition, and 50 per cent of the work was completed by noon.He said Chandola Lake is a water body, and no construction is allowed around the lake.Earlier on Monday, DGP Vikas Sahay said around 450 Bangladeshi nationals were found to be residing illegally in Gujarat after police launched a crackdown and detained nearly 6,500 Muslims, who are suspected to be citizens of the neighbouring country.Sahay said following mega search operations in Ahmedabad and Surat, similar exercises were undertaken across the state, with 6,500 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants detained and their identities being verified.
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