Rape convict Asaram Bapu’s land to be taken for 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad: Reports

Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad’s Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and Olympic Village will be developed over 650 acres, with key sites in Bhat, Motera, Koteshwar, Sughad, and the Sabarmati Riverfront earmarked for acquisition. Among the properties identified for relocation is land housing three ashrams, including Sant Shree Asaram Ashram, Bhartiya Seva Samaj, and Sadashiv Pragya Mandal, one of which belonged to rape convict Asaram Bapu in Motera.

A three-member committee, led by the Ahmedabad municipal commissioner, has initiated the administrative process for land acquisition, with the Ahmedabad Collector's office set to complete proceedings in line with legal regulations. While Sadashiv Pragya Mandal has requested to retain its structures, its appeal may be considered if alternate land parcels are provided.

The master plan for the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and Olympic Village is being developed by international consultant Populous, with support from the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA). The plan includes a 280-acre sports enclave surrounding Narendra Modi Stadium, a 240-acre Olympic Village in Bhat and Sughad, and an additional 50 acres along the Sabarmati Riverfront.

Residential areas such as Shivnagar and Vanzara Vaas are also set to be acquired for the project, with approvals granted by a committee led by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The Karai Police Academy land is also under consideration for sports facility development.

The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is yet to be introduced in Lok Sabha, has already sparked controversy, with opposition parties demanding its withdrawal. Just a day before, the Bihar assembly witnessed a heated protest, with opposition leaders raising slogans and calling for the complete implementation of the Sachar Committee's recommendations, which highlighted the poor socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India.

With India making a strong push for hosting the 2036 Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that the Games will take Indian sports to new heights, with Ahmedabad emerging as the key host city. Land acquisition efforts, including the relocation of Asaram Bapu’s ashram, mark a major step in the city’s Olympic infrastructure development.