Pune: The festive beats of Dandiya and Garba at the Late Pandharinath Marne ground in Shastrinagar, Kothrud, have drawn hundreds of women, girls, and families from the neighbourhood. The celebrations have brought joy and togetherness, but alongside the festivities, concerns about safety are rising.
Locals have raised complaints about antisocial activities occurring near the ground. Reports indicate that some individuals are drinking alcohol, harassing women, and parking vehicles haphazardly at the entrance, causing disturbances. Adding to the residents’ unease is a recent shooting incident in the area.
In response to these growing concerns, the Aam Aadmi Party’s Pune unit has written to the Kothrud Police Station, urging the deployment of both male and female police personnel during festival hours, specifically between 7 pm and 10 pm. Adv Amol Chandrakant Kale, Media Coordinator of AAP Pune, stated, “Citizens want to celebrate Navratri without fear. A strong police presence will make families feel safe.”
Residents emphasize that the festival should remain a space for joy, tradition, and community, not intimidation. Dayanand Borke, a resident of Kothrud, voiced his concerns: “We want at least two police personnel near the mandap as women and children feel unsafe. A lot of people park their vehicles haphazardly and create a ruckus after drinking and smoking.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “A lot of eve-teasing happens at this place. We feel unsafe even while dancing. Some people from outside our neighbourhood just come and stare at women and girls dancing. It becomes awkward, and we don’t feel good. Some action should be taken so that we can enjoy the festival without any fear or concerns.”
The Free Press Journal reached out to the Kothrud police for a response but did not receive any comment.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-news-drinking-harassment-eve-teasing-reported-near-kothrud-navratri-ground-citizens-demand-action-video
