CM Fadnavis forwards activist's plea for police chowky at NIBM Annexe and Mohammadwadi to Home Department

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has forwarded a representation from NIBM Annexe social activist Nitin D'Souza to the Principal Secretary of the state government's Home Department for further action. The representation seeks a police chowky at NIBM Annexe and Mohammadwadi, strict enforcement of traffic rules and immediate road safety arrangements.

The Chief Minister's order is dated October 21, 2026. D'Souza had raised concerns over rising crime, alleged hooliganism, racing on the roads, disregard of traffic rules and thin police presence. The areas are fast-growing residential neighbourhoods.

Ward 41 corporator Nivrutti Anna Bandal has backed the demand. He said a permanent police presence and regular patrolling, especially at night, are necessary. He also drew attention to dangerous driving and late-night disturbances around Archana Kohinoor Glory.

Bandal said: "A police chowky is very much needed for Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe, because the population is growing and there are concerns about crime and people's safety. People have been complaining about hooliganism and racing on the roads, especially near Archana Kohinoor Glory. The police should patrol regularly, especially at night, and strict action should be taken against those who endanger the lives of residents and passers-by. A police chowky will increase police presence and allow complaints to be acted on quickly."

The biggest issue in the representation is the fatal accident of September 21, 2026. That day, 20-year-old Humza Imran Shaikh Sarkar died after being hit by a Hyva dumper, and Qais Waseem Khan was seriously injured. The accident is said to have shaken residents, and demands for better traffic control, strict action and road safety have grown louder.

D'Souza has asked officials to build and operationalise the chowky on the plot that, according to him, has already been earmarked for it. He expressed concern that the work has not moved forward and has asked the Chief Minister to intervene so that the process is speeded up.

The activist has also demanded strict enforcement of speed limits and action against rash and speeding drivers, particularly of heavy vehicles and dumpers. His demands include traffic signals, CCTV cameras, speed breakers and warning signs at dangerous junctions, including Raheja Chowk.

To improve security, D'Souza has sought regular night patrols, vehicle checks and a mandatory blockade every weekend from 10 pm to 5 am. He has asked for steps on drug-related concerns in NIBM Annexe and has also questioned what kind of response citizens get when they call the 112 police emergency helpline.

Bandal also stressed that regular police patrolling is necessary to stop dangerous behaviour on residential roads and to reassure residents who travel or return home late at night.

The representation also raises civic amenities. Criticising the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), D'Souza alleged that many roads in the area are in poor condition and that residents' civic complaints remain unresolved. He has demanded that the administration clear old cases and improve road conditions, especially at junctions where traffic hazards have been flagged. The demands call for joint action by the police and the PMC to improve traffic management, public safety and civic amenities.

D'Souza has also demanded a full investigation into the fatal accident of September 21 and that responsibility be fixed on the basis of available evidence.

The representation lists a total of 10 demands covering police infrastructure, traffic enforcement, night-time security, emergency response and civic amenities. Bandal's support has strengthened the local demand for a separate police facility to address safety concerns in the growing residential belt.

The representation has been sent to the Home Department for further action. It is not yet clear what will happen to the proposed police chowky and the other demands.