Pune: Massive Road Blockade Over Encroachment Allegations in Guruwar Peth
Pune, 28th May 2025: Hundreds of protesters from the Hindu community staged a large-scale road blockade in Guruwar Peth on Wednesday, demanding immediate action by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) against alleged encroachments on reserved land near religious sites. The protest, led by MLC Yogesh Tilekar, caused significant disruption to traffic for nearly three hours along Chhatrapati Shivaji Road near the Phadgate police chowky.
Tilekar and members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj accused the PMC of inaction over longstanding encroachments at sites including the Mirza Masjid Trust, Rajashah Hall Dargah, Balwar Ali Jog Dargah, and Hazrat Siddique Shah Maula Dargah. Protesters called for the civic body to reclaim the land, which is officially reserved for a vegetable market, and warned of intensified agitation if their demands are not met within 15 days.
“This fight is not against any dargah,” Tilekar clarified during the protest. “But under the guise of these structures, encroachments are being overlooked. The land is reserved for public use, yet for 40 years, the municipal administration has failed to act. Citizens deserve access to the promised vegetable market.”
He also criticized the PMC for allegedly using police intervention to deflect from their responsibilities. “The civic body cannot continue hiding behind the police. We are ready to take to the streets to defend its rights and to oppose any unlawful activity happening under official neglect,” he said.
Municipal officials visited the protest site during the demonstration and assured the protesters of appropriate action. Following this, Tilekar and leaders of the Sakal Hindu Samaj declared the blockade concluded and appealed for a peaceful dispersal of the crowd.
Tilekar thanked the police for their cooperation in maintaining order during the protest. However, he reiterated that if the PMC fails to act within the given timeframe, further protests would be inevitable.
