297 Cases in 3 Months: Kondhwa Police Intensify Action Against Illegal Hawkers
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 27th August 2026: The Kondhwa Police have intensified action against unauthorised hawkers, roadside stalls and vehicles parked in violation of traffic regulations in the Kondhwa area. The latest enforcement drive was conducted on August 25 following directions from the Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and under the guidance of senior police officials.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of ACP Ramdas Hingole, with three police inspectors, eight police officers and around 20 police constables participating in the drive.
Action from Lullanagar Chowk to Kamela
During the drive, police took action against unauthorised vegetable carts, roadside stalls and vehicles parked in no-parking zones or other unauthorised areas.
The operation covered the stretch from Lullanagar Chowk to Kamela. Several vegetable carts and roadside stalls occupying unauthorised spaces were removed. Vehicles parked in a manner that caused traffic congestion or obstructed the movement of pedestrians and motorists were also removed.
Police said fines were imposed on violators and further action was taken under the applicable rules.
297 cases filed against hawkers in three months
Senior Police Inspector Santosh Khetmalas of Kondhwa Police Station told Punekar News that regular action is being taken against unauthorised hawkers.
According to Khetmalas, 297 cases have been registered against hawkers over the past three months.
Despite repeated enforcement drives, some hawkers return to the same locations, making regular action necessary, he said.
Khetmalas said the immediate impact of such enforcement is currently around 20 to 25 per cent. He added that achieving a more permanent solution would require continued enforcement and coordination with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
‘PMC support necessary for 100 per cent results’
Khetmalas said police action alone cannot completely resolve the encroachment problem.
He stressed the need for the PMC to conduct regular and coordinated action against encroachments. According to him, sustained joint enforcement by the police and civic authorities could significantly improve the situation.
He said the frequency of police drives has also been increased because some hawkers return to the same locations after enforcement action.
Unauthorised parking also under scanner
The Kondhwa Police are also targeting vehicles parked illegally or in a manner that obstructs traffic.
Khetmalas said PMC cranes and Traffic Police cranes are being used, where necessary, to remove illegally parked or obstructing vehicles. Such vehicles are towed away and further action is taken against the owners.
While acknowledging that encroachment remains a major issue in the area, Khetmalas said the Kondhwa Police are taking maximum possible action to address the problem.
Police appeal to hawkers
The Kondhwa Police have appealed to hawkers to operate only in designated spaces allotted to them.
Hawkers selling vegetables or operating other roadside stalls have been asked to ensure that their carts and stalls remain strictly within permitted areas and do not obstruct traffic, pedestrians or other road users.
Police have warned that strict action will be taken against those violating the instructions.
Officials said enforcement against unauthorised hawking, encroachment and illegal parking will continue in the Kondhwa area.
