Pune: Chakan MIDC, one of the most significant industrial hubs, has increasingly become a center for illegal activities. Despite a dedicated police station for the area, illicit businesses continue to thrive, raising concerns about law enforcement negligence.
Chakan MIDC, located in Khed Taluka, has already undergone four phases of development, with a fifth phase currently under acquisition. Initially, the Chakan Police handled law enforcement in the region. However, as the population and industrial activity grew, a separate Mahalunge MIDC Police Station was established to maintain law and order.
Authorities had expected that the establishment of a new police station would help curb illegal activities and ensure safety in the area. However, contrary to these expectations, the prevalence of unlawful businesses has increased. Reports suggest that illegal enterprises continue to operate openly, allegedly with little to no police intervention.
Growing Network of Illegal Businesses
Illegal activities have taken deep root in various parts of Chakan MIDC, including Vasuli Phata, Mahalunge, Khalumbre, Dehu Phata, Yelwadi, Waghjai Nagar, and the hillside settlements of Nighoje. Several locations, such as Varale, Vasuli Phata, HP Chowk, and Mahalunge, have become major centers for these operations.
The illicit businesses operating in these areas include:
Prostitution
Illegal liquor sales
Gambling (matka operations)
Unauthorized gas refilling and distribution
Sale of banned tobacco products
Unregulated passenger transport services
Alleged Police Inaction
Despite widespread reports of illegal activities, law enforcement agencies have failed to take significant action against those responsible. While the police occasionally carry out minor operations against individual offenders, these efforts appear to be superficial, raising questions about the extent of their commitment to tackling crime in the region.