Notorious criminals are targeting people going for exercise at the scenic Taljai Tekdi in Pune. Local residents and health enthusiasts speak about the real situation and the consistent nuisance created by the goons. According to them, stalking of women is common, and these goons have grabbed the tekdi for illegal activities such as narcotics business, consumption of alcohol at public places, etc.
In a recent case, on May 20, a 17-year-old boy was robbed at knifepoint by two unidentified goons. The minor boy went for a walk in the morning around 7:20am when the goons targeted him around 500 meters inside the main gate of the Taljai hill.
The goons, taking advantage of him being alone, intercepted him and snatched his gold chain worth ₹1.5 lakh, threatening him at knifepoint, and fled away.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Azim Khan, a regular visitor at Tekdi, said, "Drunkards and chain smokers have set up multiple spots in the premises of Taljai Tekdi. Any official can see the piles of alcohol bottles and other narcotics packets at many places in the area. There is no fear of police among these goons. Furthermore, due to the division of jurisdiction, confusion regarding police patrolling (of the whole Tekdi) between Sahkarnagar Police and Parvati Police always exists."
Pratik Yawale, a resident of Sahkarnagar, highlighted, "Earlier, the hill area was so peaceful. Now, youngsters consume alcohol on the road and race two-wheelers at high speed. Many accidents have occurred earlier. Police need to take action against such traffic rule violators. If the citizens are aware of such a menace, are the police not? A regular patrolling team should be deployed in the area."
A senior lady, based on anonymity, said, "People fear opposing them for consuming alcohol as they always sit in groups. It's hard to come with children. They also target women and stalk them. We have noticed it many times. The number of CCTV cameras installed in the area is less. Moreover, whether they are in working condition or not, we cannot say."
Meanwhile, Rahul Aware, Assistant Commissioner of Police, speaking to this newspaper, said, "The matter of chain robbery at the hill is under investigation. Soon, the goons will be arrested. Police patrolling has been increased in the area, and action will be taken against such illegal activities."
