Ahmedabad: The city crime branch on Tuesday arrested one Fateh Mohammad Pathan for alleged forgery and power theft in the Chandola Lake area. He is accused of operating the illegal settlement and electricity scam in the area with his father, a notorious figure named Lala Pathan alias Lala Bihari, who remains absconding. The father-son duo allegedly exploited undocumented migrants, particularly from Bangladesh, for personal gain.
The arrest came a day after the crime branch, during an anti-encroachment drive, discovered Lala Bihari’s farmhouse on the encroached land. The farmhouse, reportedly built using the funds obtained through illegal electricity connections and property rents, is now sealed as part of the investigation.
Originally from Ajmer, Lala Bihari established himself in Ahmedabad nearly two decades ago. Known among illegal immigrants as a fixer, his name was widely circulated by agents in West Bengal. Lala created a parallel system that offered shelter, forged documents and illegal electricity connections for monthly fees ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Officials estimate the racket generated Rs 10-12 lakh per month.
Lala and his accomplices illegally occupied govt land around Chandola Lake, building tin sheds, rooms, warehouses and even parking facilities, which they rented out. He allegedly forged rent agreements using electricity bills to help undocumented migrants falsely claim Indian citizenship. His son, Fateh, along with other aides, helped operate the network. They also allegedly tapped into Torrent Power’s grid to provide illegal connections, defrauding the company and putting public safety at risk.
According to police, Lala also forced several vulnerable women into prostitution and exploited residents through fear and manipulation. Many locals stayed silent due to intimidation, but the recent crackdown marks a turning point.
Ahmedabad: The city crime branch on Tuesday arrested one Fateh Mohammad Pathan for alleged forgery and power theft in the Chandola Lake area. He is accused of operating the illegal settlement and electricity scam in the area with his father, a notorious figure named Lala Pathan alias Lala Bihari, who remains absconding. The father-son duo allegedly exploited undocumented migrants, particularly from Bangladesh, for personal gain.
The arrest came a day after the crime branch, during an anti-encroachment drive, discovered Lala Bihari’s farmhouse on the encroached land. The farmhouse, reportedly built using the funds obtained through illegal electricity connections and property rents, is now sealed as part of the investigation.
Originally from Ajmer, Lala Bihari established himself in Ahmedabad nearly two decades ago. Known among illegal immigrants as a fixer, his name was widely circulated by agents in West Bengal. Lala created a parallel system that offered shelter, forged documents and illegal electricity connections for monthly fees ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Officials estimate the racket generated Rs 10-12 lakh per month.
Lala and his accomplices illegally occupied govt land around Chandola Lake, building tin sheds, rooms, warehouses and even parking facilities, which they rented out. He allegedly forged rent agreements using electricity bills to help undocumented migrants falsely claim Indian citizenship. His son, Fateh, along with other aides, helped operate the network. They also allegedly tapped into Torrent Power’s grid to provide illegal connections, defrauding the company and putting public safety at risk.
According to police, Lala also forced several vulnerable women into prostitution and exploited residents through fear and manipulation. Many locals stayed silent due to intimidation, but the recent crackdown marks a turning point.