Prostitution–robbery racket alleged on Beed Bypass; police accused of inaction

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Despite prohibitory orders, an alleged prostitution and robbery racket involving self-styled transgender groups and men dressed in sarees has reportedly been operating along the Beed Bypass and adjoining stretches.

Nearly 25 individuals were said to assemble daily on both sides of the bypass, particularly near Zhalta Phata on the Solapur–Dhule highway, besides Deolai Chowk, old Beed Bypass, AS Club Chowk, Waluj and the Waluj industrial area. Open plots allegedly turned into hubs of activity, with liquor bottles and obscene material found at the sites. Truck and container drivers, especially from other states, were reportedly lured at night and robbed with the help of accomplices.

The Beed Bypass falls under three city police stations and one rural police station, with most incidents reported within MIDC Cidco and Chikalthana limits. Repeated complaints, particularly to Chikalthana police, allegedly went unaddressed, with critics attributing inaction to jurisdictional disputes between city and rural police. The issue gained urgency after the recent murder of a lawyer.

Following the incident, the police commissionerate reissued prohibitory orders banning solicitation, obscene acts and seeking money at public places, roads, residential areas and events. Similar orders had been issued earlier, but enforcement remained weak due to boundary-related issues near city limits.