Pune: Protesters Stage Fast Unto Death in Dehu Against Government’s Land Allocation For Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate
Dehu, 29th November 2023: In a bid to prevent the allocation of government-owned land within Dehu Nagar Panchayat for the Police Commissioner Office of Pimpri Chinchwad, a group led by Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan, Dehu Corporators and Villagers has initiated a fast unto death. The protest commenced on Tuesday (28th) in front of the main temple.
The government’s plan to allocate 50 acres of land for the Commissioner’s Office has sparked discontent among locals, as they fear it will hinder the development of Dehu and impact facilities for pilgrims visiting the revered site. The issue has been in the courts for years as the community advocates for the land to remain untouched.
Despite previous peaceful protests and attempts to draw the government’s attention, including warnings of a hunger strike, the demands of the citizens have allegedly gone unnoticed. Consequently, the President of Sri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan, H.B.P. Kalokhe, corporator Praveen Kalokhe, and other social activists have resorted to a fast unto death.
The protest began with the worship of the image of Sant Tukaram Maharaj in front of the main temple, drawing support from various organizations, public bodies, social groups, activists, former trustees, and around 300 people from the Varkari community.
Despite efforts by the Additional Tehsildar of Haveli, Dr Archana Nikam, who appealed on behalf of the administration, no resolution has been reached, and no official proposal regarding the allotment of vacant land has been submitted.
