Bustling suburb has no police unit

Teams from Chatuhshrungi police station or beat marshals on patrol have to rush in.

Owing to its proximity to Hinjewadi IT Park,Baner is a preferred place of residence for the sizeable techie population. A large number of service sector companies has come up in the area. Mahadev Chavan,senior police inspector with Chatuhshrungi police station,said,“As the area has grown,policing needs have gone up. Baner-Balewadi Road is a busy one and witnesses frequent minor and major accidents. Break-ins are reported.”

Chavan added,“We have been told that there is space reserved for a police chowky. We have written to the Pune Municipal Corporation asking them to identify the space. We can set up our chowky from a temporary police tent. A chowky has a key role in maintaining law and order in a small area.”

Jayant Bhosekar,ward officer (Aundh),PMC,said,“There are spaces reserved for such purposes in the plan. It is the duty of the land acquisition department to acquire plot for the chowky.”

Sudhakar Telang,deputy commissioner,land acquisition,was not available for comment.

Manish Shrotri,a software professional residing in Baner,said,“Four months ago,when my neighbour met with an accident near Symantec,we had to make rounds to the police station around eight km away from our house. The police had also reached the spot late. In old city area,we have seen chowkys on every one km stretch.”

Bhimrao Tele,police inspector (crime) with Chatuhshrungi police station said,“A separate chowky and dedicated officers are badly needed in the area.”