India, March 21 -- The Gujarat government has launched a sweeping crackdown targeting alleged illegal constructions, unauthorised power connections, and financial transactions of 7,612 people accused of crimes such as bootlegging, gambling, assault, encroachment, and illegal mining.

The action was triggered after a mob went on a rampage in Ahmedabad's Vastral over the opening of a food stall last week. The mob targeted passersby and vandalised vehicles with swords and sticks. A preliminary police probe found the violence stemmed from a rivalry between strongmen Pankaj Bhavsar and Sangram Sikarwar over setting up the stall.

Bhavsar allegedly sent his men to attack Sikarwar to prevent him from opening the stall following his release from ...