Citizens in Pune are increasingly concerned about vandalism and vehicle damage by street gangs.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You park your vehicle outside your home, thinking it’s safe, and the next morning it’s damaged beyond recognition. What we often dismiss as ‘just mischief’ is turning into a serious pattern of street-level vandalism and fear in areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad.
This isn’t just about broken mirrors or dented cars anymore—it’s about groups trying to assert dominance, instill fear, and create chaos. The recent arrest of four youths for damaging multiple vehicles is just one example, but honestly, it’s part of something bigger.
Let’s break it down and talk about what’s really happening—and what we, as responsible citizens, can do.
Table of Contents
Why Are These Incidents Happening?
It’s More Than Vandalism. It’s ‘Dahashat.’
From what I’ve been seeing and reading, this isn’t about theft or revenge. It’s about power. These street gangs, sometimes armed with machetes or rods, damage vehicles in clusters to send a loud message: “We control this area.”
The Underlying Issues
I’m not making excuses for them, but understanding the root causes helps. Many of these youths are jobless, addicted, or seeking validation on social media by creating terror videos. It’s a toxic mix of boredom, anger, and misplaced pride.
What Should You Do If You’re in That Situation?
Let me be real—safety comes first. Always.
During the Incident:
- Don’t Confront. Seriously, don’t. They’re often high, aggressive, and armed.
- Get Somewhere Safe. Lock your doors. Move to a safe room or location.
- Call 112 Immediately. It’s India’s official emergency number. Save it.
After the Incident:
- Take Photos (Safely). Once the police secure the area, take pictures of the damage from all angles. These will be useful for both legal and insurance purposes.
- File an FIR. Go to your nearest police station. Insist on filing a First Information Report. It’s your right. Keep a copy.
- Call Your Insurance Company. Send them the FIR and photos. This step is crucial for claim approvals.
So, Are the Cops Doing Anything?
Actually, yes.
- Combing Operations: The police have been carrying out late-night raids in hotspot areas.
- MCOCA for Gangs: Some gangs have had cases registered under MCOCA (a tough anti-organized crime law).
- Beat Marshals & Patrols: If you haven’t seen them, ask your local police station why.
But let’s be honest—they can’t be everywhere, all the time. That’s where we come in.
How Can We Protect Ourselves as a Community?
Here’s what I’ve learned, both from personal experience and talking to others:
- Get Good CCTV Coverage. A blurry image is useless. Invest in HD cameras and proper lighting.
- Form a Watch Group. Start a dedicated WhatsApp group for your society to report suspicious activity.
- Invite the Police Over. Trust me, they appreciate it. Call your local inspector for a security meet.
Final Thoughts: We Can’t Wait for the Next Incident
We can’t just react anymore. We need to be proactive. Vandalism isn’t random; it’s calculated. And if we don’t push back as a united, aware community, these terror gangs will only grow bolder.
Let’s stay alert, support each other, and take back our streets.
Stay safe, Team PunePages.in
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