Pune Rural Icons 2025: Police and Rescue Teams Recognized for Their Service

Pune, 17th January 2025: In a heartfelt celebration of individuals who have made significant contributions to the rural areas of Pune district, Punekar News organized the Pune Rural Icons 2025 felicitation ceremony. The event, held on January 15 at Pride Hotel in Shivajinagar, was graced by Pune Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Pankaj Deshmukh as the chief guest. Police officers, personnel, and rescue team members were recognized for their dedicated service to the community.

Prominent attendees included Additional Superintendent of Police Ramesh Chopade, Punekar News Co-Founder and Managing Editor Mubarak Ansari, and Consulting Editor Tikam Shekhawat, who came together to celebrate the unsung heroes of Pune’s rural landscape.

Mubarak Ansari, Co-Founder and Managing Editor, Punekar News, said, “This is the first event of its kind, and we are deeply honored to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes of Pune’s rural areas. These individuals work tirelessly, often without seeking acknowledgment, to ensure the safety and well-being of people. At Punekar News, we believe it is our responsibility to bring their contributions to light. We are committed to continuing this tradition and organizing such events regularly to honor and motivate those who serve selflessly. Their dedication inspires us all, and we look forward to highlighting more stories of courage and commitment in the years to come.”

During his address, SP Deshmukh highlighted the importance of appreciating the relentless efforts of police personnel and rescue teams in rural areas. He remarked, “Just as police officers risk their lives to serve, rescue teams deserve equal recognition for their courageous and selfless efforts. Though only a few individuals are being felicitated today, they symbolize the hard work and dedication of many. This initiative by Punekar News will inspire officers and personnel to continue their exemplary work.”

Consulting Editor Tikam Shekhawat said, “On most days, you’ll find us and other media outlets raising questions about policing and related issues—it’s our responsibility to hold authorities and the system accountable. However, at least one day in the year we must praise and appreciate the good work done by the police too. There are tons of good works by Police personnel. And this too is an important role of the media.”

Assistant Police Inspector Snehal Raje, one of the awardees, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This recognition is a significant milestone for us. It has boosted our morale, and we will continue to work tirelessly under the guidance of SP Deshmukh to ensure the safety and development of Pune Rural.”

Police Constable Sanjay Supe shared his perspective, adding, “A person should be adaptable and turn every situation into an opportunity to achieve the best results. While we receive appreciation within the department, external acknowledgment like this is rare. I am truly grateful for this recognition of our efforts.”

Rescue team member Rajendra Kadu from Shivdurg Mitra Mandal, Lonavala, reflected on the challenges faced during rescue operations. He stated, “Rescuing often involves significant challenges, from recovering dead bodies to saving lives. We work closely with the police force and act swiftly, regardless of the obstacles. Recognition like this motivates us to continue our work. I am thankful to Punekar News for honoring our efforts.”

The awardees included a mix of dedicated police officers, personnel and rescue team members:

• Assistant Police Inspectors (APIs): Snehal Raje, Prakash Pawar, Rahul Gawade
• Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs): Vidyadhar Nichit and Shital Thembe
• Police Personnel: Mustak Abdul Rehman Khan, Mohammad Anjar Inayatulla Momin, Raghunath Halnur, Anita Rawalekar, Dnyaneshwar Sanap, Kavita Mane, Pramila Nikam, Sanjay Supe, Sarla Surkule, Nilesh Talpe, Manoj Pujari, and Ravindra Raul
• Rescue Teams: Rajendra Kadu and Mahesh Masane (Shivdurg Mitra Mandal, Lonavala), and Pramod Balkawade and Hanumant Navale (Mulshi Disaster Management)

Details of  awardees:

1) Mohammad Anjar Inayatulla Momin – Police Constable Mohammad Anjar Inayatulla Momin works with the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of the Pune Rural Police Force. As an expert in the technical field, Constable Momin has a reputation for tracing criminals who commit serious crimes in the district by analyzing their mobile tower locations. He was awarded for his excellent performance in this area.

2) Vidyadhar Nischit – Police Sub Inspector Vidyadhar Nischit, who has been working with the Police for years, has been promoted to PSI through remarkable achievements. He is an expert in talking to and guiding witnesses to build cases in court and help get justice. He was awarded for this remarkable work.

3) Sheetal Thembe – Women Police Sub Inspector Sheetal Thembe is currently posted at Haveli Police Station, where she is actively involved in solving major cases. She was particularly awarded for her remarkable feat of catching an accused booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 within two hours and helping a 10-year-old girl victim get justice.

4) Raghunath Halnur – Police Constable Raghunath Halnur, currently posted at Shirur Police Station, is also an experienced policeman. He was awarded for the selfless feat of rescuing a minor boy who had fallen into a pit. Constable Halnur himself jumped in, risking his life to save the boy.

5) Anita Rawalekar – Woman Police Constable Anita Rawalekar is currently posted at Paud Police Station. Being a part of the Nirbhaya Squad, she has conversations with school and college-going girls, guiding them and raising awareness. In a remarkable feat, she also brought justice to a minor girl being harassed by catching the accused, for which she was awarded.

6) Dnyaneshwar Sanap – Police Constable Dnyaneshwar Sanap, currently at Malegaon Police Station, is known for solving crimes in the field of theft. He has recovered 75 missing phones and returned them to their owners. In 2022, he also organized a blood donation camp through his initiative and helped donate 200 bottles of blood. He was felicitated with awards for these works.

7) Kavita Mane – Woman Police Constable Kavita Mane, currently posted at Walchand Nagar Police Station, is an expert in investigating and solving crimes. Her recent remarkable achievement included catching an accused booked for molestation within 36 hours and producing him in court. Her efforts were also awarded by Punekar News.

8) Pramila Nikam – Woman Police Constable Pramila Nikam, currently at Rajgad Police Station, is an expert in spreading social awareness for the well-being of minors. She provides valuable guidance regarding child marriage awareness, and addiction rehabilitation, among others, and was awarded for her efforts.

9) Sanjay Supe – Police Constable Sanjay Supe, currently at Vadgaon Maval Police Station, is a veteran with many trusted sources helping solve crimes. During the Covid period, he worked extensively to help his fellow policemen get treatment, for which he was awarded.

10) Sarla Surkule – Woman Police Constable Sarla Surkule, currently posted at Ghodegaon Police Station, is an expert in keeping records neatly. Any complaint registered at her Police Station is well-maintained, which is why she was awarded.

11) Nilesh Talape – Police Constable Nilesh Talape, also posted at Ghodegaon Police Station, is an expert in finding stolen or missing items. He managed to return 41 missing mobile phones to their original owners in recent years.

12) Snehal Raje – Woman Assistant Police Inspector Snehal Raje of Khed Police Station is an expert in solving crimes. In one remarkable case, she managed to get an accused arrested within 24 hours and helped the victim’s family receive government assistance, for which she was awarded.

13) Manoj Pujari – Police Constable Manoj Pujari, currently at Pune Rural Police Headquarters, is an expert at hitting targets and gun firing. During practice, he managed to hit the target 40 out of 40 times during gun training.

14) Mustak Abdul Rehman Khan – Police Sub Inspector Mustak Khan is another example of a cop being promoted through the ranks for dedicated service. His remarkable achievement includes providing senior officials with information about Pune Rural Police’s Crime in India statistics.

15) Prakash Pawar – Assistant Police Inspector Prakash Pawar, a part of the Anti-Terrorism Branch, is an expert in crime investigation. Along with that, he has excellent connections with citizens. He has caught 22 Bangladeshi citizens living illegally in India, for which he was awarded.

16) Ravindra Raul – Police Constable Ravindra Raul, currently posted at Kamshet Police Station, is a dedicated police officer with a passion for cleanliness. He is known for cleaning Police Station premises and decorating them wherever he is posted, for which he was awarded.

17) Shivdurga Mitra Mandal Lonavala – Rajendra Genu and Mahesh Masane, representing Shivdurga Mitra Mandal Lonavala, were awarded for their excellent services in rescue operations. Shivdurga Mitra Mandal Lonavala is an expert technical rescue team based in Lonavala. They specialize in search, rescue, and recovery operations in mountains, jungles, and water bodies across Maharashtra and have been doing this for decades.

18) Mulshi Apatti Vyavasthapan – Pramod Balkawade and Hanumant Navale accepted this award on behalf of Mulshi Apatti Vyavasthapan. Mulshi Apatti Vyavasthapan is a disaster management team based in Mulshi, near Pune. They specialize in search and rescue operations, particularly in water bodies. The team responds quickly to drowning incidents and recovers bodies in the area.