Matka den flourishes on PMC footpath, close to police chowki

Behind the Matka den is Sai Trinity, a commercial complex housing corporate offices and research institutes. Located nearby is the defence estate of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has a residential area and a marketplace.

Local residents and office-goers face problems because of the Matka den operating openly cocking a snook at law enforcers.
There were allegations from the local populace that such activity cannot be carried out without the covert support of police, politicians and PMC officials.

“Many people including those with a criminal background, liquor addicts and nuisance-makers visit the Matka den daily, making the area unsafe for others. They park their vehicles on the main road causing problems for commuters. There could be many such illegal Matka dens in the city, attracting youths and others to take part in illegal activities,” said a resident.

A citizen said that at times the Matka den operates from 9 am to about 12 in the night and neither the police nor the anti-encroachment cell of PMC taken any action. When a Pune Newsline team visited the spot, the Matka den was operating in a shed erected on an encroached part of the PMC footpath. Several vehicles were parked on the main road outside. Money transactions were and many youths were playing Matka. A man was keeping watch at the entrance.

Residents have demanded an investigation into alleged complicity of cops or government functionaries in running Matka dens. Earlier, police had arrested seven persons after raiding the Matka den in an area proposed for a biodiversity park, part of the eco-restoration project at Pashan lake.

Local residents suspect that the same group may have started the Matka den on the main road. Citizens suspect that some “influential” persons with “links” with police, politicians or PMC officials could be behind the Matka den operations.

When contacted, Nitin Udas, PMC ward officer for the area said, “I am not aware of this Matka den. I will look into the matter.” Despite repeated attempts, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Rajendra Mane was not available for comment.