Pune | Aundh residents hold vigil for victim, seek security for morning walkers following fatal assault by miscreants

Residents gathered in front of Poorvika Mobile showroom in Aundh at around 7pm for a candle-protest march in solidarity with the late Sameer Roychowdury, a resident of Sayali Garden residential society in Aundh. Sameer Roychowdhury, a 77 year old man, was attacked for money by a group of supposedly drunk youngsters on Thursday. He was pronounced dead late Friday.

“This isn’t an isolated case; there is a general fear among people who roam here—members of the family who leave in the morning, will they return back?” said Mukund Kirdat, spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party, Maharashtra. “Systemic failure is one of the reasons. the police are just one part of it — the encroachment department, excise department, traffic police — they are all involved. What is the concept of smartness, is it just about nice footpaths? This is the first road inaugurated by PM Modi for the city, you cannot even see proper lamps here! If this is smartness, we do not want it.”

Nagini Patil, 35, a resident of Ashna Park, said that she was now worried about going for walks early in the morning in light of the recent incident. “I also go for morning walks, who will be there early in the morning? The Police cannot be everywhere all the time, what can we expect?,” She said. She also pointed out that the boys who assaulted the victim were minors and in an inebriated state.

“Who is giving alcohol to these people? Where is it allowed to be served below the age of 18?,” Asked Nagini Patil, 35, a resident of Ashana Park.

Senior Police Inspector Shailesh Sankhe who started his tenure at the Chatushrungi Police Station, said, “The police have already taken steps to address the situation where the incident occurred. They are also reaching out to residents to understand their problems, which will be addressed accordingly. Patrols have been increased. The police are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety to the best of their abilities.”

A participant, however, said that it will take a fortnight to assess the police’s response. “How things pan out over the next 15 days would tell you whether it is a consistent response or a knee jerk reaction for a couple of days,” notes Sharad, 69, a resident of Chaitraban. “People must play safe, unless it is absolutely important, don’t get out before the daybreak.”