Pune: Wakad Resident Faces Threats For Reporting Civic Issues; Police Assure Safety And Action
Pune, November 12, 2025: A Wakad resident’s efforts to improve civic conditions in his neighborhood through official channels have led to threats from local business owners, raising important questions about citizen safety and the protection of complainant identities.
Ayan Ganguly, a resident of Echoing Greens society, was approached by garage owners near Irani Cafe who accused him of reporting illegal parking and footpath encroachments through some of the groups and the Traffic Buddy application. “They came to me while I was waiting for my son’s school bus and threatened me, saying ‘what can you actually do to us?’ and warning me to watch what would happen next, are you the police commissioner.”
“Such establishments always work in unity. They have often spotted me clicking pictures and videos. That’s how they recognised me and also confronted me.” Ganguly recounted.
The incident highlights the challenges citizens face when reporting civic issues, even through official platforms designed for this purpose. Ganguly, who has been reporting violations for three years, noted that while many residents face similar problems with footpath parking and encroachments, few come forward officially. “When only one person consistently reports these issues, that person becomes a visible target,” he explained.
Other residents expressed strong concern about the situation. Sachin Siddhe from Nano Homes society stated, “The Traffic Buddy app was created for everyone’s convenience, for people to report illegal parking, footpath issues, and traffic problems. But if people are targeted and threatened like this, what is its significance? Where is the law and order? It’s difficult to live in the city this way. “
He further emphasized the need for systemic protection: “The police should provide security and assure people that wherever they face issues, they can file complaints and we will take action without revealing their names. The most important question is, how did these local people come to know who filed the complaint? This is a very serious matter.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed strong support for Ganguly: “Whatever happened is wrong. People are still cooking food and making tea on footpaths. On Pink City Road, people smoke until late night. On one hand, you say ‘file complaints about issues,’ but if the next day the people against whom the complaint was filed come and threaten people, then what’s the point? Where is the law and order? I would want that if any such incident happens, people should file complaints with the PMO. Today’s incident is very wrong – the person who is raising his voice is doing it for everyone. Everyone is facing trouble but prefers to remain silent, and the one who raises his voice has to suffer. He is a good person who always highlights issues. People come to the government with hope, but if such incidents happen with them, it’s wrong. Other society members who are in the committee do support him and we are with him.”
Authorities have responded promptly to the incident. DCP Vivek Patil provided detailed assurance: “They should immediately file a complaint at the police station and we will take action against those who threatened them. If a complaint is lodged through Traffic Buddy app, we take action and we regularly follow up on such complaints. For hawkers and street vendors, the municipal corporation takes action, and we forward these complaints to them. We expect the corporation to take action on such cases.”
He specifically addressed the anonymity concern: “It is in our policy that we do not disclose the name of the person who filed the complaint – we never disclose anyone’s name. If a complaint is lodged, I will take immediate action against the culprits. In areas like Phoenix Mall and Talawade, all traffic or illegal parking related issues have been resolved. Once strict action is taken once, people stop parking there or committing other traffic violations.”
PI Shatrughna Mali of Wakad Police Station stated, “They must file a complaint and if the complaint is made by them, we will take action against the people who threatened him.”
Despite the intimidation, Ganguly remains committed to civic improvement. “I will continue to work for better civic conditions, but hope more residents will also use official channels so the responsibility doesn’t fall on just one person,” he stated.
The case has brought attention to the need for robust systems to protect citizens who utilize official platforms to address community issues, ensuring that public participation in civic matters can continue without fear of reprisal.
