Pune Rural Police Hold Meeting to Address Concerns of Serving and Retired Soldiers

Pune, 21st August 2026: The Pune Rural Police organised a meeting with serving and retired defence personnel and their family members on Friday to understand their concerns, resolve grievances and raise awareness about cybercrime.

The meeting was held at 12 noon at Bhimashankar Hall in the Pune Rural Police headquarters under the chairmanship of Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, IPS.

Among those present were Avinash Shilamkar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Home); Balasaheb Shirsat, Tahsildar and representative of the Pune District Collector’s Office; Hari Suryavanshi, Assistant Officer at the District Soldiers’ Welfare Office; Vikas Bhujbal, Police Inspector with the Security Branch; and Ashwini Waghmare, Woman Police Sub-Inspector, Pune Rural. Around 35 serving and retired soldiers and their relatives attended the meeting.

Participants raised concerns relating to cybercrime, physical offences, land disputes and fraudulent investment schemes. The officials heard their grievances and discussed possible solutions. Written complaints submitted during the meeting were forwarded to the police stations concerned for inquiry and appropriate action.

Officials noted that several former defence personnel in Pune district had fallen victim to cyber fraud and stressed the need for greater vigilance. Participants were advised to improve their understanding of social media safety, avoid opening suspicious links or APK files received on mobile phones, never share one-time passwords, and remain alert to online scams.

Shilamkar also explained the concept of “digital arrest” scams and highlighted the growing prevalence of cybercrime.