Pune: Wave of Knife-Point Robberies Terrorizes Katraj Ghat, Residents Demand Action
Katraj, 7th October 2024: Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders in the Katraj Ghat area have been targeted in a series of robberies at knifepoint over the past few days, leaving residents in fear. Locals have urged Pune Police to take swift action. In the last two days alone, four cases have been registered at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station involving threats and robberies.
On Saturday (5th October) at around 10:30 PM, and again yesterday at 5:30 AM, an unidentified individual on a bike threatened residents with a koyta (a sharp weapon). One victim, Vighnesh Gosavi, was assaulted, while another, Rohit Mathare, was threatened with being run over by a bike and was also beaten with the koyta. Both had their mobile phones snatched.
In another incident, three youths—Shubham Taru, Vikash Bhujbal, and Narayan Mhetre—were on a morning walk when they were similarly threatened with a koyta, given death threats, and had their mobile phones stolen before the assailant fled. A case regarding all these incidents has been filed at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station.
The area around Katraj Chowk, where many buses from southern Maharashtra stop, has also seen increased criminal activity. Thieves have been preying on passengers, especially at night, prompting regular commuters to lodge complaints and demand action from the Pune Police.
Senior Police Inspector Dashrath Patil, in charge of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station, stated, “Cases have been registered for all these incidents, and we are actively investigating. The unknown accused will be apprehended, and immediate action will be taken. We urge residents to report any suspicious activity in the Katraj Chowk area, and we will ensure proper measures are enforced.”
