PMC Anti-Encroachment Teams Facing Attacks: Pune Municipal Corporation’s teams are repeatedly attacked and threatened during anti-encroachment drives, but the police rarely take strict legal action.
Political Pressure Weakens Action: Political interference and alleged police-civil nexus dilute the impact of encroachment drives, affecting the morale of municipal staff.
Most Cases Go Unnoticed: From July 2023 to March 2025, only 2 out of 13 complaints filed at Sinhagad Road Police Station were registered as cognizable offences despite serious attacks.
Pune, 28 July 2025: Anti-encroachment drives carried out by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are increasingly turning dangerous, as municipal teams face frequent abuse, threats, and even life-threatening attacks.
One such recent incident took place in Sayyadnagar, where a PMC officer was seriously injured. However, instead of registering a strong legal case, the police filed only a minor offence, reportedly under political pressure.
This isn’t an isolated case. Officers from the PMC’s Encroachment Department say they regularly face verbal abuse, physical assaults, and threats while clearing illegal structures across Pune, including city centres and suburban areas. Yet, most police complaints result in only non-cognizable offences under the section of "obstruction in government work." Even FIRs are often avoided unless senior officials intervene.
The situation is worsened by alleged political interference. While some politicians push for action, others attempt to shield encroachers or limit the impact of drives, trying to ensure minimal consequences for those involved. There are also claims of informal ties between some encroachers, police officers, and even civic staff, which undermines enforcement efforts.
In some cases, encroachers have gone as far as issuing false allegations of harassment or threatening self-harm to prevent action. These tactics often force PMC staff to withdraw or hesitate, especially when they don’t get firm backing from either police or the municipal administration.
Between July 15, 2023, and March 28, 2025, the Sinhagad Road Police Station received 13 such complaints related to attacks on PMC teams. Only two were registered as cognizable offences. Similar patterns have been seen in other areas of Pune as well.
According to Sandeep Khalate, head of PMC’s Encroachment Department, the situation is discouraging for field staff. “Our officers have to deal with serious risks during these drives. But even after submitting complaints, only minor offences are registered, and FIRs are often avoided. Unless senior officials step in, the police don’t act seriously,” he said.
As the problem of illegal encroachments continues to choke roads, footpaths, and public spaces in Pune, the lack of strong enforcement is raising serious questions about safety, law, and governance in the city.