Pune Police Step Up CCTV Surveillance In Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe After Years Of Civic Pressure
Pune Police Step Up CCTV Surveillance In Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe After Years Of Civic Pressure
Pune, November 26, 2025: After years of persistent demands by local residents, Pune Police have begun installing AI‑enabled CCTV cameras in the Mohammadwadi / NIBM Annexe area, including busy points such as SM Ghule Circle, Anandvan Gate near the state‑government reserve forest close to Siddheshwar Temple, and several internal roads.
This step comes in response to repeated complaints of late-night robberies, suspicious vehicles, and growing fear among residents over safety in the neighbourhood.
Social activist Jaymala Dhankikar — a long-time resident of NIBM Annexe — has played a central role in pushing for this change. She said, “For the past two years, we have been urging the authorities to ensure that women, children, and senior citizens feel safe in our neighbourhood. Installing CCTVs at Anandvan Gate and other vulnerable spots is a crucial step toward that goal.” Her advocacy, along with recent directions from Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, helped push the project forward.
Over the past five years, residents have repeatedly complained about late-night hooliganism, reckless driving, and accidents, particularly along busy stretches such as near restaurants and housing societies. For instance, in August 2025, a violent street brawl erupted near Golden Bakery — people under the influence reportedly assaulted each other, and the police did not respond for over an hour. Locals say these late-night gatherings often involve loud music, alcohol consumption, rash driving, and dangerous behavior. In another recent incident, a speeding car killed a person near Raheja Premiere in NIBM Annexe, highlighting the dangers posed by night-time activity and infrastructure neglect.
In addition to direct criminal incidents, civic-infrastructure failures have exacerbated danger and lawlessness. Residents report poorly lit roads, narrow lanes, and blind turns in NIBM Annexe, making streets unsafe, especially for women and the elderly. Illegal constructions, unauthorized hoardings, and iron sheds near junctions such as SM Ghule Circle have worsened visibility and traffic flow, complicating surveillance efforts. The combination of criminal acts and civic neglect has turned previously calm residential zones into areas where many feel unsafe after dark, reinforcing the need for surveillance measures like CCTV.
ACP ( IT )Vivek Pawar, in charge of the CCTV installation project, said, “We are committed to enhancing public safety across Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe. After installing cameras at high-priority points, our plan is to extend CCTV coverage to internal roads and blind spots. Residents’ safety, particularly for women and children, remains our top priority.” With the new surveillance system and community cooperation, authorities hope to deter criminal activity and restore a sense of security in the neighbourhood.
