Ahmedabad police crack down on Holi night chaos; AMC bulldozers target illegal structures

On the night of Holika Dahan in Ahmedabad, a group of youths wreaked havoc on the streets, vandalizing vehicles and causing chaos. Following the incident, the police took strict action and arrested 14 individuals involved in the violence.

Edited By: Shantanu Poswal

Last Updated : 15 March 2025, 11:58 PM IST

Holi night chaos (X/@erbmjha)

During the evening of Holika Dahan, Ahmedabad was in chaos when a group of young people smashed cars and caused trouble on the roads. After the incident, police acted promptly, arresting 14 people who were involved in the violence. In a show of public justice, the accused were taken out on the streets and punished. At the same time, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) stepped up its crackdown by razing illegal structures associated with the accused.

Police give street vandals a lesson

The clashes took place in Ahmedabad's Vastral locality, where the Bhavsar gang members terrorized Holika Dahan night. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed the arrests on Friday and Saturday. The accused were punished in public by being made to do sit-ups and publicly apologize for what they did. Videos of the incident soon went viral on social media, with the police maintaining that the actions were taken to ensure law and order.

Anti-social elements terrorized locals by brandishing swords, attacking them & vandalizing vehicles.

Today Gujarat police gave them much needed belt treatment in front of their neighbours.

Sara Pushpa style dhara ka dhara reh gaya 💀 pic.twitter.com/cWTEATM3Su
— BALA (@erbmjha) March 15, 2025

Bulldozers attack illegal buildings

After the arrests, AMC had a survey of property owned by the accused and located illegal buildings. Bulldozers were used to break down these buildings, while laborers utilized hammers in locations where heavy machinery could not reach. This forceful step was taken to stop illegal activities and impose order in affected areas.

What happened on Holika Dahan night?

The mayhem started when the Bhavsar gang members tried to assault a member of a rival gang at a café but were unsuccessful as he managed to escape. Frustrated, they went on a rampage, vandalizing cars and intimidating residents in Vastral. In 100 hours, 14 offenders were arrested by police, which drew political criticism from opposition parties such as Congress, questioning the BJP government's capability to ensure law and order in Gujarat.