Safe no more?

Is Pune going the Delhi way? Is there no place left in the city that can be considered safe and secure? Probably not, if the recent incid...

Written by Sunanda Mehta

March 1, 1999 12:00 AM IST

4 min read

Is Pune going the Delhi way? Is there no place left in the city that can be considered safe and secure? Probably not, if the recent incident at the University of Pune UoP premises is anything to go by. While petty crimes like bag-snatching are certainly not new to Pune, an episode like this, that too in broad daylight in a place like the sylvan UoP, makes everyone sit up and take notice.

It was just another trip to the UoP for Suhasini Mishra on February 25, as she drove to meet a friend in the mathematics department on her two-wheeler in the afternoon. With her daughter as the pillion rider, Mishra, a resident of Anand Park, Aundh, entered the UoP from the gate on the Ganeshkhind road, near the Governor8217;s bungalow.

8220;As I crossed the main building, I slowed down because of the speed-breakers. Just then, two men on a motorcycle passed me by on the right. Suddenly, the pillion rider stretched his arm and lifted my purse from the carrier-basket attached to the handle of my scooter,8221; relates a visibly upset Mishra.

8220;After the initial shock, I revved up my scooter and began chasing the duo, speeding towards the math department. It was around 4 p.m. and there were few people. I screamed chor chor8217; but I guess by the time people realised what was happening, we were gone.8221;

Mishra chased for quite a distance when suddenly they turned into a lane, giving her the slip. 8220;By the time I turned back, there was no sign of them. I had checked for the number, but there was no plate. Since by then they were probably out of the campus, there seemed no point in continuing the chase. My bag 8211; containing about Rs. 500, my bank passbooks, cheque books and some photographs 8211; was gone. Distraught, I lodged a complaint at the Chatuhshrungi Police Station.8221;

What was alarming about the whole incident was that while Mishra was chasing the two, the pillion rider apparently took out a sword that he brandished at her and the by-standers. 8220;I was so incensed at what had happened that even that did not deter me. But I realise now that things could have turned uglier. Imagine something like this happening in broad daylight, that too in a supposedly safe area like the UoP!8221; she exclaims.

8220;The problem with the security at the university is that there are gates from all sides 8211; it8217;s open from the Aundh, the Ganeshkhind and the Spicer College roads. And these gates are unmanned. No one questions the people who enter the premises, no records are maintained. Even if questioned, the visitors simply say they are students. After 6 p.m., the place is overrun by young couples. How many can you question and on what basis?8221; counters Inspector Vilas Jadhav of the police station.

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Nevertheless, Jadhav maintains that the university has by and large remained a crime-free zone. 8220;The only such incident I can recollect took place in 1995, when a lady8217;s handbag was snatched. We caught the culprits. This time, too, we are on their trail. In fact, we have identified that the youths came from the hutments outside the university gates. Even their motorcycle was a stolen one. We will nab them soon.8221; But that, obviously, will not deter the repetition of such incidents in future.

8220;I have been to the campus on a number of occasions earlier but nothing like this ever happened then, even after sunset hours,8221; states Mishra. 8220;We are really shocked. You think such things happen only to others. Once you experience it, it8217;s quite an eye-opener.8221;

Not just for her, but also probably for other regular visitors to the popular campus 8211; be it for studies, research or even a leisurely stroll. And who may now think twice before they turn into any of the UoP8217;s deserted lanes.

Sunanda Mehta

Sunanda Mehta is the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Pune. She is a distinguished journalist, columnist, and author with over three decades of experience in the media industry. Educational background: A merit-lister in her 12 th in CBSE (5th rank in Humanities) Sunanda stood first in History in the Board for which she was awarded the Dr Tarachand Gold Medal. She is a triple-graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (History Honours) from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, Bachelor of Education, Delhi University (on scholarship) and Bachelor of Communication and Journalism, University of Pune. Professional Background Role: As Resident Editor, she oversees the Pune edition of The Indian Express, managing local news coverage, investigative features, and editorial direction for the city. Author: She is an accomplished author, known for her biographies. Her notable books include: The Extraordinary Life and Death of Sunanda Pushkar published by Pan Macmillan (2019). The book was long-listed for the Atta Galatta award for nonfiction and Auther award for best debut author. Majestic Musings - Translation of poems from 100 year old Badshaian from Punjabi to English (2023) Behind the Big Screen- the untold stories of child actors published by Bloomsbury India (2024) Focus Areas: While Sunanda has reported on various subjects from civic to political to investigative and crime, her forte remains long-form human-interest stories, heritage and gender issues. Core Column: "Against All Odds" Sunanda curates and writes a signature series titled "Against All Odds," which profiles individuals who have overcome significant personal, medical, or professional challenges. Recent notable articles (2025) The Story of Dr. Harinder Dhaliwal (July 2025): A Pune AFMC topper who became a neurologist in Canada despite becoming paraplegic. Jayoo Patwardhan’s Cancer Journey (Jan 2025): How the National Film Award-winning designer defeated cancer. Partha Iyengar’s Emergency mid-air (Aug 2025): The story of how Gartner’s India head survived a massive heart attack during a long-haul flight. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage continues to explore deep personal narratives and Pune’s socio-environmental landscape: 1. Personal Narratives & Closure "'I grieved for him 10 years after his murder, found closure to unsolved case'" (Dec 14, 2025): A poignant feature on Vineet Alurkar, son of the late Pune music legend Suresh Alurkar, and how digitizing his father’s collection helped him heal. "A 40-day journey home: how Christopher Benninger's partner gave him the gift of memories" (Nov 23, 2025): A moving tribute to the late acclaimed architect Christopher Benninger and his final trip to the US. "'After 38 years I finally met my biological mother'" (Sept 28, 2025): Chronicling the journey of an adopted daughter from Zurich searching for her roots in Pune. 2. Civic & Heritage "'Vetal Tekdi belongs to common citizens'" (Oct 20, 2025): An interview with environmental activist Dr. Sushma Date on the community-led protection of Pune’s vital green lungs. "'Military village' Apshinge recalls living through war days" (Aug 12, 2025): A report from a village in Maharashtra where nearly every household has a member in the armed forces, focusing on their legacy and current anxieties. 3. High-Profile Commentary & Investigations "Malegaon blast acquittals: 'I was expecting this verdict'" (July 31, 2025): An interview with former special public prosecutor Rohini Salian following the controversial acquittals. "Grounded, license cancelled... she decided to soar higher" (March 30, 2025): The story of Dr. Harpreet A De Singh, Air India’s first woman pilot from 1988, and her transition to leadership and meditation. Signature Style Sunanda Mehta is known for her empathetic storytelling. Unlike standard news reporting, her features often read like narrative non-fiction, focusing on the psychological and emotional resilience of her subjects. One of her articles in The Indian Express titled 'The Quality of Mercy' was converted into a film Rubaru Roshini produced by actor Aamir Khan. She is a strong advocate for Pune's heritage and environment, frequently using her platform to amplify citizen-led movements. X (Twitter): @sunandamehta and @ExpressPune ... Read More

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