Gujarat authorities have intensified a demolition drive in Bet Dwarka and Okha, claiming to have reclaimed over 36,400 square meters of government land valued at ₹15 crore. However, locals allege that Islamic structures, including the Hazrat Panj Pir Dargah, and homes belonging to Muslims were specifically targeted. The dargah was demolished on the grounds of being illegally constructed on Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) land. Similarly, nine religious structures on Pirotan Island, part of the Marine National Park, were also removed, with the state government emphasizing the importance of protecting national security and marine life in the area.

State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi defended the actions, stating that the Bhupendra Bhai Patel-led government is committed to safeguarding Gujarat’s faith and culture by removing illegal encroachments. He highlighted Bet Dwarka’s significance as a sacred site for millions and reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance policy. Notices were issued to over 450 individuals for alleged encroachments, leading to the demolition of 111 structures and clearing of land in the Balapar area. Drone footage shared by Sanghvi showcased “before and after” visuals of the cleared areas, emphasizing the administration’s efforts.

Critics, however, see a pattern of bias in these actions, pointing to similar demolitions in September 2024 in the Gir Somnath district, where nine mosques and shrines near the Somnath temple were demolished. The ongoing campaign, initiated in 2022, has faced allegations of targeting minority communities under the guise of removing illegal encroachments. While the government highlights the legal basis for these operations, the demolitions have raised concerns about their socio-political and communal implications.