Ahmedabad news has once again drawn attention to growing concerns over safety, civic administration, and law enforcement after residents of a prominent commercial-cum-residential complex in the city’s Naroda area raised serious allegations against multiple spas operating within their premises. Locals claim that illegal and immoral activities are being carried out under the cover of spa services, leading to fear, disruption, and mounting anger among hundreds of families living in the building.
Residents Allege Misuse of Commercial Spaces
Ashirwad Avenue, a large commercial-cum-residential complex located near Hari Darshan crossroads, directly opposite Shelby Hospital in Naroda, Ahmedabad, has become the centre of controversy. The complex houses around 308 residential units, with more than 1,000 residents living there. Alongside the homes, several commercial establishments operate on the premises, including a high number of spas.
According to residents, between 10 and 15 spas are functioning inside the complex. While spas are legally permitted commercial activities, locals allege that many of these establishments are not genuine wellness centres but are instead fronts for immoral and illegal practices that continue late into the night.
Residents claim that suspicious individuals frequently gather near these shops, creating an unsafe environment, particularly for women, children, and elderly residents. The presence of strangers, late-night activity, and constant footfall have allegedly turned what should be a peaceful housing complex into a place of fear and discomfort.
Fear and Insecurity Among Families
Several residents have spoken out about how daily life has been affected. They allege that shops, tea stalls, and spas remain open till late night and sometimes even operate through the night, making the area feel like a marketplace rather than a residential society.
Kajalben, a resident of Ashirwad Avenue, said that movement within the society has become stressful and frightening. “At night, it feels unsafe to step out. Shops are open till late, crowds gather, and unknown people sit around the complex. It no longer feels like a residential area,” she said.
She further alleged that a society gate meant exclusively for residents has been illegally blocked by commercial vendors, restricting access and causing serious inconvenience. Despite having documents proving the gate belongs to the society and is legally designated for residents, locals say it has been forcibly closed.
Parking Access Blocked, Alleged Encroachments
One of the most serious issues highlighted by residents involves the basement parking area. According to complaints, access routes to the basement parking have been blocked by commercial shop owners. In some cases, food stalls and tea stalls have allegedly encroached upon designated parking spaces.
As per municipal rules, commercial-cum-residential complexes must maintain clear and accessible parking areas. Residents claim that despite repeated complaints, the parking spaces remain blocked, causing daily inconvenience and increasing the risk of accidents.
Locals argue that the situation violates Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) norms, which mandate that parking areas in such complexes must remain open and free from encroachment.
Repeated Complaints, Limited Action
Residents say they have repeatedly approached Naroda Police Station with complaints regarding the spas, late-night nuisance, and blocked access points. While police reportedly visit the site occasionally, locals allege that no lasting solution has been implemented.
Many residents express frustration that instead of taking firm action against the spa operators or illegal encroachments, police attention is often redirected towards society members themselves. This has further intensified mistrust and anger among residents.
On several occasions, large groups of residents gathered in protest, forcing police to arrive at the scene to control the situation. However, locals claim that even after these incidents, the core issues remain unresolved.
Questions Raised Over Law Enforcement and Civic Responsibility
The ongoing situation has raised serious questions about the roles of both law enforcement and municipal authorities. Residents argue that despite written complaints, phone calls, and in-person representations, no decisive action has been taken.
Many residents believe that the lack of strict enforcement has emboldened commercial operators to continue alleged illegal activities without fear of consequences. This has led to increasing tension between residents and shop owners within the complex.
Locals are now openly questioning why authorities appear reluctant to take action, despite the matter being brought to their attention multiple times.
Police Respond: “Law and Order Is Our Priority”
Naroda Police Station Inspector P. V. Gohil addressed the issue while speaking to the media. He stated that police had received complaints regarding nuisance caused by certain tea stalls and pan parlours operating in the area.
According to Gohil, police teams visited the site and conducted checks alongside local residents. He added that the establishments in question were found to be registered, and police ensured that shops were closed by 11 pm as per regulations.
Regarding the disputed society gate, Inspector Gohil said that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the builder and the municipal corporation, not the police. He also mentioned that a gate constructed earlier had already been demolished, implying ongoing administrative disputes.
While the police maintain that they are fulfilling their responsibility of maintaining law and order, residents argue that the ground reality tells a different story.
Municipal Corporation Steps In
Responding to the issue, North Zone Deputy Municipal Commissioner Vishal Khanama said that if parking spaces or access routes to basement parking in a commercial complex have been encroached upon, immediate action is warranted.
He confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Estate Department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. According to Khanama, necessary steps are being taken to investigate and address the issue as per civic rules.
Residents now hope that AMC’s intervention will finally result in the removal of encroachments and restoration of parking and access routes.
Local Corporator Promises Inquiry
BJP corporator from Naroda ward, Vipul Patel, stated that he had not yet received a formal complaint regarding the matter. However, he assured that he would look into the issue and initiate an inquiry.
Residents are cautiously optimistic about this assurance, though many remain sceptical due to previous experiences where promises did not translate into concrete action.
Growing Urban Challenges Reflected in Ahmedabad News
This incident highlights broader urban challenges faced by rapidly growing cities like Ahmedabad. Mixed-use developments, while beneficial for economic growth, often create conflicts when regulations are not strictly enforced.
In this case, the alleged misuse of commercial spaces, unchecked encroachments, and lack of coordination between civic bodies have reportedly turned a residential complex into a source of constant distress for its occupants.
Urban planners and civic experts argue that stronger monitoring mechanisms, transparent enforcement, and community engagement are essential to prevent such situations from escalating.
Residents Demand Immediate and Transparent Action
Residents of Ashirwad Avenue are now demanding a comprehensive inspection of all spas operating within the complex, strict enforcement of closing hours, removal of illegal encroachments, and restoration of society access points.
They are also calling for coordinated action between the police, municipal corporation, and local representatives to ensure that residential safety is prioritised over unchecked commercial interests.
As tensions continue to simmer, the situation at Ashirwad Avenue remains under close watch. For now, this episode stands as a stark reminder in Ahmedabad news of the urgent need for effective governance, accountability, and protection of residents’ rights in urban India.
If timely and decisive action is not taken, residents warn that protests may intensify, further escalating the situation in one of Ahmedabad’s rapidly developing neighbourhoods.
