Pune: Residents and Hinjawadi Police Engage in Scuffle During Protest

Pune, 8th August 2025: Local villagers and residents of the Hinjawadi and Maan areas protested on Thursday afternoon as the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) began debris removal for road widening. During this, an argument broke out between the Hinjawadi Police and the protesters, resulting in a case being registered against two individuals.

PMRDA has been removing encroachments to initiate road widening over the past few days. The debris lying on the road was being cleared by the PMRDA administration. On Thursday morning, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tehsildar, and police reached the spot and began the operation. People started protesting against this action. Residents demanded that compensation for their land be given first, and only then should the debris be removed.

They argued with PMRDA officials. Later, when the police tried to intervene, they also argued with them. Police detained two individuals for obstructing government work. Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare had an argument with the locals in particular. Pandhare is the in-charge of Hinjawadi Police Station.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Sunil Kurhade and Bhor MLA Shankar Mandekar personally intervened and prevented the situation from worsening. MLA Mandekar spoke with both officials and villagers. On the written order of the PMRDA Commissioner, the landowners were given written assurance of receiving Transferable Development Rights (TDR), after which the protesters calmed down and the situation was brought under control. The two villagers were released in the evening after the debris removal operation was completed.