Pune: Citizens March To Hadapsar Police Station To Protest Rising Crime And Illegal Activities
Pune: Citizens March To Hadapsar Police Station To Protest Rising Crime And Illegal Activities
Pune: Citizens from Hadapsar and Malwadi organized a protest march to the Hadapsar Police Station, voicing their anger against the rising illegal liquor trade, drug sales, and increasing criminal activities in the area. The protestors accused the police of turning a blind eye to these activities despite repeated complaints. They directly questioned the Police Commissioner on why no stringent action has been taken against such illegal operations. Â
Residents of Malwadi, frustrated with the growing menace of criminal elements and illegal businesses, gathered to express their dissatisfaction. The protestors warned that if the police failed to address the situation, they would escalate their protest to the Pune Commissioner’s office. Among the prominent participants were Eshan Tupe, Mama Tupe, Santosh Kharat, Ravi Kalbhor, and Ulhas Tupe.
The anger among residents intensified following a recent incident where unidentified assailants attempted a robbery at the home of Ravi Kalbhor, a Malwadi resident. When Kalbhor confronted them, the attackers assaulted him with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene. Despite the severity of the incident, no arrests have been made so far.
Locals also highlighted that areas such as the vicinity behind Sadhana School run by the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha are notorious for illegal liquor sales and drug peddling. Several hand-brewed liquor operations continue unchecked in Malwadi. Repeated complaints to the Hadapsar Police Station have not resulted in any concrete action, leaving residents feeling unsafe and neglected.
MLA Chetan Tupe had previously raised the issue of escalating crime and illegal activities in Hadapsar, Malwadi, and Manjri in the legislative assembly. However, residents allege that the police have made no significant efforts to curb these activities. They questioned why such businesses resume operations merely days after sporadic raids, asking if these operations are being shielded by influential individuals.
Eshan Tupe, one of the protest leaders, stated, “Illegal businesses are openly thriving in the Malwadi-Hadapsar area under the very nose of the police, who choose to ignore them. The police must act immediately. Do not force us to take matters into our own hands.”
In response, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Circle 5) Rajkumar Shinde assured the residents that strict action would be taken. “We have received the complaints from citizens. Whether it is illegal businesses or other unlawful activities, we will uproot them completely. Citizens should not fear; they can directly report any suspicious activities to me, and I will ensure immediate action. Those spreading terror will be dealt with firmly,” he said, promising to restore law and order in the affected areas.
