In recent years, Gujarat has witnessed a significant increase in special operations carried out by the state police to curb illegal activities such as illicit businesses, gambling, and other unlawful operations. The Gujarat Police, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, have launched multiple initiatives targeting crime syndicates, unregulated businesses, and illegal gambling networks. These operations are designed to strengthen law and order and protect the state’s economic and social fabric.
1. Crackdown on Illegal Businesses
Gujarat is known for its booming industries, but alongside legitimate businesses, illegal operations—such as unregistered factories, counterfeit goods, and tax evasion schemes—continue to flourish. The state police have been actively working to dismantle these illegal businesses that pose a threat to both public safety and the economy.
Key Areas Targeted by the Police:
- Counterfeit Goods: Operations aimed at shutting down factories producing counterfeit goods, especially in markets like Surat and Ahmedabad, have led to significant seizures of fake electronics, medicines, and textiles.
- Illegal Manufacturing: Police have raided unlicensed manufacturing units producing harmful or substandard products, such as unauthorized chemicals, explosives, and electronics.
- Tax Evasion: Special operations are being conducted to target businesses involved in tax evasion through unregistered transactions and black-market trading.
Examples of Recent Successes:
- In 2023, Gujarat Police seized a large consignment of counterfeit medicine worth crores, being manufactured and distributed from a hidden factory in Ahmedabad.
- Authorities shut down several illegal factories in Surat producing unregulated fireworks and chemicals.
2. Targeting Illegal Gambling Operations
Illegal gambling, often linked to organized crime, continues to be a significant issue in Gujarat. It is not just restricted to traditional forms such as betting on cricket but also involves illegal casinos, online gambling platforms, and street gambling. The Gujarat Police have intensified efforts to crack down on these operations with special raids and surveillance tactics.
Measures Taken by Gujarat Police:
- Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Gujarat Police are leveraging technology to monitor online gambling platforms and identify illegal betting rings. Special intelligence units track suspicious online activities and monitor common gambling hotspots.
- Raids on Casinos and Betting Rings: On-ground operations have been executed across Gujarat, particularly in urban areas like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara, to raid illegal casinos, gambling dens, and bookmaking operations.
- Collaboration with Other Agencies: Gujarat Police work with cybercrime units, the Enforcement Directorate, and national agencies to target the financial transactions linked to illegal gambling.
Notable Operations:
- A major gambling operation involving underground casinos was busted in Surat in 2023, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of large sums of money.
- Police raided multiple illegal betting rings during cricket seasons, dismantling the operations and arresting key suspects.
