Vendors at Pune Railway Station Complain of Harassment By Pune Police, Financial Losses
Reported by Sumit Singh & Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 3rd July 2024: Authorized vendors operating in the circulating area of Pune Railway Station have raised serious allegations against Pune City police, claiming misconduct and financial losses.
According to the vendors, police officials arrived at the station premises around 11 PM, forcefully shutting down their shops and beating staff with sticks to enforce a closure time that conflicts with their contract.
The vendors, who are authorized by the railway to operate 24/7 to cater to the continuous footfall at the station, have written to Pune railway division officials outlining their grievances. In the letter, they state that more than ten shops were forcibly closed by the police, resulting in significant financial losses and a drop in staff morale. This letter was sent to the railway division in late May.
In response, Pune railway officials communicated with Pune City police on June 10 regarding the reported incidents but have not yet received a response. The railway officials emphasized the importance of Pune Railway Station, which handles over 1.5 lakh passengers daily. They highlighted that the Ministry of Railways guidelines permit these vendors to operate around the clock to meet passenger needs.
The officials further clarified that the licenses for operating these retail outlets, awarded for five years starting from April 1, 2022, are intended to provide continuous amenities to passengers. They expressed concerns that the police actions might force vendors to abandon their contracts prematurely, leading to a lack of amenities for passengers, public complaints, and potential revenue loss for the government.
The vendors are urging the authorities to resolve the issue promptly to prevent further disruptions and financial damages.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Smartna Patil told Punekar News, “I am not aware of any such issue. Those having licenses will not be obstructed. They can approach me if they face any issue from the police.”
