Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In a city gripped by escalating crime, gang violence and armed robberies continue unabated, exposing a glaring failure in law enforcement. Within the past 24 hours, a fruit vendor was robbed at Sutgirni Chowk, and a travelling businessman was brutally assaulted and extorted on Adalat Road. This follows a youth’s throat being slit in Indiranagar just two days ago over a financial dispute.
Fruit vendor robbed at knifepoint
On February 25 at 10 pm, within Jawaharnagar police jurisdiction, two individuals targeted fruit vendor Rameshwar Korde (41, Ulkanagari) at Sutgirni Chowk. When he refused to hand over money, a minor suspect threw a knife at him while his accomplice, Sagar Misal (20, Deolai Chowk), snatched Rs 4,000 and a mobile phone before escaping. Korde’s son attempted to chase them but was attacked with stones and injured. The minor was later caught, leading to Misal’s identification.
Extortion threat turns violent on Adalat road
Hours later, on Wednesday at 2 am, Royal Chintamani Tours & Travels owner Vinay Dhake (35) faced an extortion attempt. Zakir Qureshi from Sillekhana barged into his office, demanding money. Upon refusal, Qureshi returned with gang members, issuing threats: “You do business in our area but don’t pay for our liquor?” before launching a brutal assault. They smashed a colleague’s mobile phone and warned Dhake against reopening his office.
Youth robbed, mother aids criminals’ escape
At the same time on Wednesday, Rohan Bhalerao (21) was attacked while buying vegetables in Jadhavwadi. Kunal Jadhav, Gaurav alias Bagya, and another accomplice stabbed him, looted Rs 5,000 and his mobile phone, and fled. When Bhalerao tracked them to their house, Jadhav’s mother threatened him and helped her son escape. Jadhav, who had robbed a businessman just 15 days ago, was later arrested along with his associates, confirmed API Nitin Kame.
Crime wave shows no signs of slowing
Last year, the city recorded 194 robberies and 148 burglaries. In just two months of this year, 55 citizens have already fallen victim to armed robberies. While Pundliknagar and MIDC Cidco police stations have arrested some gangs, other crime branches remain ineffective. As violence surges, the police’s failure to curb the menace leaves citizens vulnerable, raising urgent questions about law enforcement’s grip on the city’s security.