Ahmedabad: Gujarat has branded Lalla Bihari as Mehboob Pathan because of his notorious actions, which transformed Chandola Lake into ‘Mini Bangladesh’. The shadowy figure reportedly achieved enormous financial success by ripping off illegal Bangladeshi immigrants who gave him large amounts for both shelter and forged papers. The proverb “The higher you rise, the tougher your descent will be” accurately describes Bihari’s situation because his business ended after police officers had eliminated his entire operation.
Bihari’s criminal organisation operated on a large scale throughout its activities. Every person who obtained illegal residency at Chandola’s shanties must pay him between Rs 3 to 3.5 lakh, while fake Aadhaar cards cost Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh. Bihari showed his criminal fortune through his lavish farmhouse with indoor air conditioning facilities. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted a broad operation by demolishing more than 2,000 unlawful properties while targeting Bihari’s large luxurious estate. Police officials confiscated 20 luxury vehicles and 200 auto-rickshaws, together with horses, among his extensive property collections.
Public officials were astounded by the large extent of his criminal operations. Bihari established his position by providing accommodation and managing brothels and unlawful loans while confiscating auto-rickshaws from those who failed to repay his excessive interest. The arrest of Bihari occurred in Rajasthan when police captured him following the arrest of his son, Fateh Mohammad, on April 29. This move signalled his downfall as the principal criminal element. The operation, conducted with the support of 2,000 police officers and 60 bulldozers, works toward revitalising Chandola Lake, which used to be a clear natural water reservoir.
Bihari’s success in becoming wealthy resulted in corruption that weakened the city. For two decades, Bihari operated stealthily by providing unauthentic rental contracts and counterfeit passports to immigrants. The Gujarat High Court maintained the ruling that allowed the demolitions to be conducted despite opposition from residents who asserted long-term possession of the properties. After the collapse of his power, Bihari must face multiple criminal charges as the city finds peace.
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