Surat: Local authorities today carried out the demolition of illegal encroachments by migrant gang leader Rahul Pimpade, who operates the ‘Rahul Apartment’ gang in the Udhna area of Surat. The municipal authorities, along with the police, bulldozed three illegally constructed houses belonging to Rahul, located near a government housing scheme for underprivileged residents. Unauthorized modifications within his residence were also dismantled.

Pimpade, who led anti-social activities and illegal businesses from these properties, has been involved in serious crimes, including the Surya Marathi murder case. He has 22 cases registered against him, including charges of assault and murder.

Notably, Rahul had encroached upon government land under the Awas Yojana scheme, illegally constructing three houses. Additionally, he made unauthorized modifications inside his residence, including a three-foot illegal extension, all of which were demolished by Surat Municipal Corporation with police assistance.

The housing scheme had gained notoriety as ‘Rahul Apartment’ due to the criminal activities of his gang. Pimpade has been leading this gang for the past 15 years, engaging in illegal money lending and using intimidation tactics for recovery. As many as 22 serious cases, including those under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime (GujCTOC) Act, have been registered against him across multiple police stations in Surat.

Following an order from the state DGP, a list of criminals is being compiled in Surat. Currently, nine gangs are active in the city, with ‘Rahul Apartment’ being one of them.

State Police Chief Vikas Sahay has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive list of anti-social elements across Gujarat within 100 hours. Acting swiftly, Surat Crime Branch identified around 1,300 criminals, including 300 involved in serious crimes, while others were linked to offenses such as assault, theft, extortion, and land grabbing. The list also includes 20–25 criminals booked under the GujCTOC Act.

As part of the 100-hour campaign, 22 individuals were summoned to the police station by Surat Crime Branch and subjected to public humiliation by being made to sit with their ears held. Police rigorously interrogated them and issued strict warnings of further action.

Surat Crime Branch DCP Bhavesh Rozia stated that, under DGP Vikas Sahay’s directive, the police had been given a 100-hour deadline to identify and act against anti-social elements. The operation focuses on criminals involved in violent crimes, organized crime, and property offenses. The Surat Crime Branch has already launched a special investigation, and legal action against identified criminals is expected in the coming days. DeshGujarat