Pune : Non-functional CCTV surveillance system irks Dhanori residents; demand immediate action

Residents of Dhanori are concerned as the CCTV cameras in Ayyappa Swami Garden in Bhairav Nagar are non-functional for a long time.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ashish Jakkillu, Resident of Dhanori, said “The CCTV cameras inside the Ayyappa Swami Garden, nearby my residence, are shut for around 3 years now. The security guard of the Garden told us the same thing. This is posing a serious threat to the safety of people visiting the garden. Recently, a woman slapped a girl inside the garden as the girl allegedly, accidentally, hit the child of the woman while running around in the garden. The woman slapped the girl so hard that there were marks on the girl’s cheeks. Hence, the parents of the girl tried to investigate but the woman wasn’t there. This happened right under a CCTV camera in the garden. But, when we went to check the CCTV footage, the CCTV was found to be shut. How will this work? What about everyone’s safety & how will it be monitored?”

Kishore Gaikwad, Resident of Dhanori, said “Yes, this CCTV camera shut issue is around for some time. This needs to be resolved.”

Kavita Gaikwad, Resident of Dhanori, said “Girls come to the garden to play. Some notorious boys are also there. Hence, if any unfortunate incident happens, who will be responsible? My girl also was playing in the garden recently. A woman hit her badly. I went to the garden after this happened but the woman wasn’t there. All the CCTVs are completely shut in the garden. Senior citizens, kids etc visit the garden. As the watchman of the garden doesn’t pay attention towards the safety of the children & people, 24 x 7 functioning CCTV cameras are a must. Currently, as such incidents are happening inside the garden, CCTVs remain shut. Where is the action for this?”

Ashok Ghorpade, Chief Garden Superintendent, PMC Garden Department, said “The CCTV cameras were installed in that garden by the Ward Office. We have informed the Ward Office to inspect & repair all the CCTV cameras of the garden soon.”

Shreyas Vange