Pune: FC Road Vendors Accuse Woman of Extortion, Police Yet to Act
Pune, 10th June 2025: A viral video showing a woman allegedly extorting money from a street vendor on Pune’s busy Fergusson College Road (FC Road) has triggered public outrage and raised serious questions about police inaction. The woman, identified as Hina Shaikh, is reportedly known in the area as a “Lady Don” and is accused of harassing multiple vendors for extortion money over the past several weeks.
Despite several complaints lodged by victims, Pune Police have allegedly failed to take any action, fueling speculation about possible political or administrative protection.
Viral Video Shows Intimidation, Assault
In the now-viral video, Shaikh is seen aggressively demanding money from a young pavement vendor and throwing his goods onto the road. Eyewitnesses claim she also assaulted the vendor’s younger brother during the altercation.
When bystanders began filming the incident, Shaikh reportedly said, “Go ahead and record—nothing will happen.”
The vendor later told media that he had been forced to pay her amounts ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 multiple times—totaling nearly ₹10,000 over the past month. He also alleged that she threatened to have him evicted if he refused to continue making payments.
Repeated Harassment Goes Unchecked
Local sources suggest that this is not an isolated case. Several footpath vendors along FC Road have reportedly faced similar threats from Shaikh, with some even shutting down their stalls out of fear.
The victim claimed he had earlier filed a complaint at Deccan Police Station, but no legal action has been taken so far. The perceived inaction has sparked frustration among street vendors and raised concerns about law enforcement’s role in protecting vulnerable workers.
No Criminal Record, but Pattern of Intimidation
Police sources have reportedly stated that Hina Shaikh does not have any prior criminal cases registered against her and that the assaulted individual is related to her. However, the consistent pattern of extortion and intimidation, now documented on video, suggests escalating lawlessness.
Public Pressure Mounts on Pune Police
This incident has once again brought to light the challenges faced by informal sector workers in Pune—particularly in high-traffic commercial zones like FC Road. Issues of extortion, safety, and police accountability are now front and center, with calls for swift and transparent action growing louder.
With the video continuing to circulate widely on social media, the pressure is now squarely on Pune Police to act decisively and restore public trust.
