Patan: Following the recent attack on a police van in Jhiliya village of Chanasma taluka in Patan district, the administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal properties linked to criminal elements. Authorities have launched a bulldozer action on an illegal farmhouse allegedly built on government grazing (gauchar) land by Bhavesh Rabari alias Jhiliya, said to be the mastermind of the Mastani gang.

Officials said the farmhouse, popularly known as Estate of Ramdhai or Jhiliya Farm, was constructed after illegally encroaching on 7,700 square metres of government land under Revenue Survey No. 166. The structure included a two-storey house, sheds, a garden area, a paver-block road and a pucca verandah. The value of the illegal construction is estimated to be over ₹28 lakh as per official records, though locals claim the total cost of the farmhouse was much higher.

According to reports, Bhavesh Rabari has a long criminal history and is allegedly involved in more than 20 offences, including extortion and other serious crimes in Patan and nearby districts. Investigators said the farmhouse was often used by gang members and bootleggers for gatherings and for planning criminal activities.

The action comes after the recent attack on a police vehicle in the area, in which several accused were involved. So far, police have arrested 18 persons in connection with the case. After the incident, the administration adopted a strict stance against elements challenging law and order and ordered action against illegal encroachments linked to the accused.

During the demolition drive, JCB machines were used to remove the entrance gate, boundary walls and other illegal structures, while a notice has been issued directing removal of the remaining pucca house and sheds within seven days. The demolition work, which began on Friday, continued for the second day amid tight police deployment in the village and surrounding areas to prevent any untoward incident.

Officials said the encroached land is recorded as grazing land, and boundary marking and measurement were completed before initiating the demolition process. Revenue, Panchayat and police officials were present at the site during the operation.

Police have appealed that anyone who has been a victim of the accused or his gang can come forward without fear and approach the police. Authorities said the action is part of a wider drive against illegal properties linked to criminal activities, and similar steps will be taken in other cases as well.

Officials added that the demolition operation may continue until all illegal structures on the land are completely removed, sending a clear message that encroachments and criminal activities will not be tolerated. DeshGujarat