Pune Railway Station has become a hotbed for thefts. In the last two years, 1,307 cases of thefts were reported, resulting in the loss of valuables totalling ₹7.99 crore.
According to the official data, the Government Railway Police (GRP) have solved only 220 cases, recovering valuables worth ₹1.02 crore. However, 1,087 cases remain unsolved, with valuables worth ₹6.96 crore still unrecovered.
Pramod Khopikar, Senior Police Inspector (GRP, Pune), speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "Our team is regularly conducting patrolling at the platforms and other premises of the railway station. Pune railway station registers a huge crowd daily and managing it is a challenge. The railway station is not fully secured from all sides, leading to invitations to the goons. However, we are taking action consistently but more manpower is required."
Along with this, the railway station is also grappling with a growing nuisance caused by beggars and drunkards. According to railway officials and passengers, a major reason behind the menace is the presence of a liquor shop located barely 20-30 metres from the station. Many individuals purchase alcohol, get drunk and then use the railway station premises to loiter or sleep, leading to severe inconvenience for travellers. Despite repeated complaints, no strict action has been taken to address this growing menace.
Based on anonymity, an official from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), speaking to this newspaper, said, "More than 20 beggars could be found at the railway station regularly. However, we are consistently trying to stop them from coming to the railway station. Our team sends them to NGOs that take care of such people. However, they come again to the station. Similarly, action is being taken against the drunkards. However, due to the availability of a liquor shop near the railway station, drunkards come to the station to sleep."
