61-year-old man attacked with sharp weapon and robbed near Balaji Garden in Nerul

A 61-year-old man was attacked and robbed in broad daylight in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, on November 9. The incident took place between 8.30 am and 9 am. The spot is the Balaji Garden area behind Terna Hospital in Nerul Sector 20, where there is dense undergrowth that the attacker used to his advantage. The incident has spread fear among people living nearby.

According to the information available, Suresh Dinkar Salve (61), a resident of Chembur, had come to Nerul on some work. He was walking along the footpath in front of the temple near Balaji Garden when an unknown man attacked him. He is alleged to have struck him on the head and body with a sharp weapon and beaten him badly, leaving him seriously injured.

The attacker then forcibly snatched a sling bag, a Samsung mobile phone and cash from him and fled. The stolen items are said to be worth Rs 17,000 in all. The injured man is being treated at MGM Hospital in Kalamboli. His daughter has filed a complaint at Nerul police station, and the police have registered a case.

The Balaji Garden area has large temples and churches of different faiths. Devotees and other people move through it from morning till night. Even so, local residents complain that suspected drug users keep loitering in the same area. The police have also busted a ganja and drug racket here.

Complaints have also come up about the situation around Nerul railway station. These include incidents of assault, alleged illegal liquor sales near the station, the sale of intoxicants, and drugs being sold from scrap shops. The complaints have increased people's concern about safety in Nerul. The area around Nerul railway station has become notorious for these reasons.

Residents are asking angrily who an ordinary person can expect protection from if an elderly man can be beaten and robbed in a crowded area early in the morning. They want the police to go beyond registering a case and investigating. They want regular patrolling at suspicious spots, a strict campaign against those who use and sell drugs, and special police arrangements at night.

Residents say the police need to visit sensitive areas and take concrete steps. In their view, a police beat on the western side of Nerul railway station is essential. They say it could help maintain security around the station area, the nearby Nerul village and Balaji Garden.