Calls for increased police patrolling and security gain momentum

Kharghar: The recent surge in criminal activities, including housebreaking, theft, and robbery, has prompted residents of Kharghar to call for enhanced police patrolling and improved security infrastructure. The latest incident, an organized gang robbery involving gunfire in Sector 35, has particularly raised concerns among the community.

Mangal Kamble, founder and President of the Swachh Kharghar Foundation, has reached out to Milind Bharambe, the Commissioner of Police, to address the issue. She said, “I dropped a message to Milind Bharambe, raising concern about the increase in cases of housebreaking, theft, and robbery. He has acknowledged the public concern, and hopefully, police patrolling during the afternoon, evening, and late night will be seriously considered. Kharghar is also home to many elderly, fragile senior citizens whose safety is our concern. With the festive season coming, such incidents should be prevented through strict vigil by the police and public.”

Kharghar resident Rajesh Patil stressed the need for better security measures in Sector 35 and its surroundings, which have seen significant growth. He said, “The area has expanded rapidly, and we need a full-fledged police station, traffic police to manage traffic and parking, regular patrolling of police vehicles, and even a post office.”

He added, “The increase in robbery incidents in crowded places indicates a disturbing lack of fear of government authorities, including the police. These criminals seem emboldened by the absence of police presence.”

Sunita Deshmukh, another Kharghar resident, pointed out the potential role of informers, possibly illegal shop owners in Sectors 34 and 35, who might be aiding criminal activities. She said, “The confidence and actions of these criminals, as seen in videos, suggest no fear of consequences. If such individuals operate without fear, it raises serious concerns about our future safety. Effective measures are needed to address this issue.”

Vishal Mehta, reflecting on the broader decline in Kharghar’s safety, noted the rise in drug cases, accidents, robberies involving violence, illegal cutting of trees, and water mafia activities. He said, “Ensuring the safety of Kharghar residents is a top priority. Installing CCTV cameras in all sectors of Kharghar can significantly enhance security measures. Authorities need to expedite the installation of these cameras across the area. This step will help deter criminal activities and provide a sense of safety to the residents.”

Mangal Kamble highlighted the urgency of addressing safety concerns, noting recent incidents, including the brutal killings of two young women and a gang robbery at 10:00 p.m. She said, “The government has spent a significant amount on schemes like Majhi Ladki Bhahin Yojna, but it should prioritize safety first. It is crucial for police to start patrolling the city at least during the night to prevent such incidents.”