"What Was Our Fault? We Are Indians": Chandola Lake Residents Detained in Anti-Immigrant Raid Recount 3 AM Nightmare

Ahmedabad, May 2024 – In a midnight operation that has sparked outrage, residents of Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad were forcibly detained by authorities in what was described as a "drive against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants." The raid, conducted around 3 AM, saw families—including women, children, and the elderly—rounded up and taken to a detention center for verification.

Many of those detained, however, claim they are Indian citizens with valid documents. Distraught and humiliated, they now ask: "What was our fault?"

Key Details of the Raid

Date & Time: Around 3 AM on [Date]
Location: Chandola Lake area, Ahmedabad
Reason: Alleged "identification of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants"
Detentions: Dozens of families taken for document verification
Released Later? Some after proving citizenship; others still under scrutiny

"We Are Indians": Residents Recount Harrowing Experience

1. "They Barged In, Didn’t Let Us Explain"

Families reported police and officials entering homes without warning.
No prior notice given before the raid.
Women and children were allegedly forced into buses in nightclothes.

2. "We Have Voter IDs, Aadhaar, Yet We Were Detained"

Many showed Indian documents (Aadhaar, voter ID, ration cards) but were still taken.
"If we are Bangladeshis, how do we have these papers?" asked one resident.

3. "Treated Like Criminals in Our Own Country"

Detainees claim they were not given food or water for hours.
Elderly and sick individuals were allegedly not spared.

Authorities’ Response

Police Statement: "This was a routine verification drive to identify illegal immigrants."
Officials Claim: "Those with valid documents were released; action only against suspicious cases."
No Official Apology: No response to allegations of excessive force or humiliation.