Protests Erupt at Khandala Exit on Mumbai–Pune Expressway Over Alleged Police Extortion of Tourists

Khandala, 1st August 2025: Highway Police in Khandala are reportedly extorting citizens visiting the popular tourist destinations of Lonavala and Khandala. There have been reports of vehicles being stopped at the Khandala Exit, where checks are being conducted. This has led to protests led by General Secretary Nikhil Kavishwar of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee and former Shiv Sena Pune District Chief Macchindra Kharade. The two leaders organized a road blockade at the Khandala Exit.

Both Kavishwar and Kharade allege that the Khandala Highway Police are stopping vehicles and taking money from commuters. They also claim that personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) are accompanying the police during these actions. According to the protesters, such incidents are recurring and have happened many times before.

Kavishwar stated, “We have received many complaints of this sort, along with several videos as evidence. We had seen some action from then Assistant Superintendent of Police Satyasai Karthik of the Lonavala Sub Division, but since his transfer, the situation has remained unchanged. If our demands are not met with action, we will protest on an even larger scale.”

Macchindra Kharade added, “This situation is causing traffic congestion as well. The Khandala Highway Police are responsible for this. For several days now, illegal activities like drug trafficking have surfaced in the Lonavala area, but instead of genuine action, the authorities are only extorting money. This is effectively supporting the illegal activities.”

Assistant Police Inspector Sunil Ausarmal of the Khandala Highway Police responded, “Police are following all regulations at the Khandala Exit. We use the challan machine to identify and take action against drivers not wearing seat belts. Often, heavy vehicles are stopped due to the difficulties presented by the ghat area, which leads to traffic congestion. The protesters’ accusations are false, nothing of the sort happens. We will discuss the matter with senior officials and take appropriate action.”