Tensions escalated in the NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi area after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) carried out an anti-encroachment operation targeting EDP Hotel near Tribeca Mall, drawing sharp criticism from local residents and civic activists who branded the move selective, politically influenced and legally questionable.
While PMC officials claimed the action was part of a broader enforcement effort against illegal structures, locals are calling it a smokescreen, pointing to dozens of illegal hawkers, paan stalls, momo shops and private interests that have been allowed to thrive on public land without scrutiny.
'The action is very selective'
Civic activist Jaymala Dhankikar issued a scathing public statement condemning the PMC. She said, "The action is very selective. The entire area’s roads and footpaths are blatantly occupied by hawkers and influential persons while the PMC remains conveniently silent. If a government body like the PMC starts behaving like this, then its image is zero in the eyes of the public. We’re paying crores in taxes, and illegal occupiers are making money off public property while the government is being fleeced. It’s a pathetic and shameful situation.”
Residents further alleged that former corporators and local political figures have themselves encroached on footpaths for private offices, but face no enforcement, raising serious concerns about political shielding and administrative bias.
'It’s a selective hit job'
Local resident and activist Ashok Mehendale said, “This is not an anti-encroachment drive; it’s a selective hit job. PMC is playing favourites and protecting politically connected violators while targeting soft targets. The law is supposed to be equal for all, but what we’re seeing here is deliberate inaction and complicity. Encroachment isn’t just on the streets; it’s inside PMC’s own integrity. We demand an independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible.”
'Violates the principle of ‘equality before the law’ under Article 14'
Adding a legal perspective, social worker Hussain Shaikh stated, “PMC’s anti-encroachment drive today violates the principle of ‘equality before the law’ under Article 14 of the Constitution. Selectively targeting one establishment while ignoring dozens of others amounts to arbitrary and discriminatory governance, which is legally untenable. If the civic body continues to act in a biased manner, we will be left with no choice but to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against PMC officials for dereliction of duty and misuse of power."
Locals are now calling for a judicial or Lokayukta inquiry into the PMC’s anti-encroachment department, citing systemic failure, lack of transparency and complete erosion of public trust.
Despite the mounting backlash, PMC has yet to issue any clarification or roadmap for a comprehensive enforcement plan in the area.
