Pune: Rising Wave of Violence in Pimpri Chinchwad: Local Gangs Target Residential Societies
Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 13th March 2024: In recent days, numerous instances have surfaced in various neighborhoods of Pimpri Chinchwad city, where local gang members have intruded into residential societies, assaulting both committee members and residents. It is imperative that decisive measures be implemented at our level to address this concerning trend.
The Chikhali-Moshi-Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Society Federation has communicated with Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey and Maharashtra State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis via email. The letter highlights the persistent issue of local gangsters physically assaulting society officials, including chairpersons, secretaries, and other committee members, accompanied by threats. Despite lodging complaints with the Pimpri Chinchwad city police, there is dissatisfaction with the registration and investigation processes, resulting in frequent recurrence of such incidents.
On March 2, 2024, a distressing incident unfolded at Mahindra Antheia Society in Pimpri, where the society’s secretary was severely attacked by external perpetrators. Regrettably, when the incident was reported, the police administration did not take adequate action. The letter suggests an unusual emphasis on probing the experiences of the assaulted individuals rather than directing attention towards the perpetrators. Similar incidents have been reported in Chikhali, Moshi, Charholi, Pimpri, Punawale, Pimple Saudagar, Sangvi, and Ravet societies, where local troublemakers have targeted residents. Given the gravity of these matters, our city of Pimpri Chinchwad should emulate the Mumbai Police Commissionerates and establish specialized departments within each police station to address legal issues pertaining to society residents. This includes the appointment of a senior police officer dedicated to handling such cases promptly. The federation earnestly requests immediate action to avert future incidents.
Sanjivan Sangle, the President of Chikhali-Moshi-Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Society Federation, expressed, “Instances like these occur frequently in many societies in Pimpri Chinchwad city. However, the police administration does not feel pressured to register a complaint, and even if a complaint is filed, prompt actions are not taken. To prevent such incidents and safeguard society owners, I propose that in both Pimpri Chinchwad city and Mumbai city, a dedicated police officer should be assigned to each police station to address the concerns of society owners. This would enable swift investigations and ensure that culprits are promptly brought to justice.”
Responding to these concerns, ACP Satish Mane of the Pimpri Chinchwad assured that the matter would be thoroughly examined, and appropriate action would be taken.
