Pune: DY Patil University Chancellor PD Patil, Syska Group’s Govind and Rajesh Uttamchandani Booked Over Theur Flooding
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 19th September 2025: Pune city police have booked Dr. Prasadrao Dattajirao Patil, better known as P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil University, along with three others, for allegedly obstructing the natural flow of a stream in Theur through unauthorized construction. The obstruction reportedly triggered a flood-like situation during heavy rains on September 15.
A separate case has also been filed against businessmen Govind and Rajesh Uttamchandani of Syska Group for encroaching on a water channel along Theur–Kesnand Road.
Streams Blocked, Villagers Suffer
According to the Revenue Department, natural streams were illegally blocked, which caused large volumes of rainwater to back up and inundate nearby areas. The incident occurred around 2 am on September 15, after Theur received 90 mm of rainfall. More than 70 residents had to be rescued, and villagers reported the loss of cattle and property.
The complaint, lodged by Village Revenue Officer Arjun Nagnath Swami on behalf of the Additional Tehsildar, states that Dr. Patil built a retaining wall on Gat No. 63 near Theur–Naigaon Road, while three Theur residents—Dilip Dnyoba Kunjir, Dattatray Mahadev Chavan, and Sushma Mahesh Thorat—allegedly carried out illegal land plotting on Gat Nos. 163 and 164. Together, these activities narrowed and blocked the stream’s flow.
When heavy rains lashed the region, water overflowed into residential colonies, food processing units, a primary school, and cattle sheds. Villagers said that goats and sheep were swept away, while household items such as televisions, refrigerators, and mixers were destroyed. “The water rose so quickly that many families had no option but to rush upstairs to save themselves,” said a local resident.
Case Against Syska Group Promoters
In another incident, Govind and Rajesh Uttamchandani allegedly filled the streambed at Gat No. 663 on Theur–Kesnand Road for unauthorized plotting. Though the Tehsildar had earlier issued them a notice to remove the obstruction, no corrective action was taken.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Both cases have been registered at Loni Kalbhor Police Station. Offences have been invoked under sections 15 and 7 of the Environment (Protection) Act, sections 51 and 53 of the Disaster Management Act, as well as sections 125, 270, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Authorities say the episode underscores the dangers of unchecked encroachments and illegal construction near water channels. The flooding has once again raised questions about environmental safeguards and enforcement mechanisms in rapidly developing peri-urban areas around Pune.
