Now,cops blame industry for rising crime in MIDC areas

The Pune rural police have launched a drive against criminal elements in Chakan,Talegaon and Ranjangaon industrial areas after the industry alleged that they were being brazenly terrorised by thugs. The issue assumed significance when it figured in the Legislative Assembly recently,forcing the government to take serious note of the complaint from the industry.

However,the issue has now taken a new turn with villagers and police saying that industry itself is responsible,though partly,for the scenario. The ‘help’ that it sought from people with muscle power for land acquisition and getting clearances only encouraged the criminal elements,they say.

After the directives by the state to investigate these allegations,Pune rural police took preventive action against more than 200 people on police record from Chakan,Talegaon,Shikrapur and Ranjangaon MIDCs. “These were merely preventive detentions. How effective this will be in curbing these cases is doubtful,” said a police officer.

According to police records since 2007,two murders,six cases of extortion,about 20 robberies,30 cases of rioting and six other serious offences have been registered till date in the Chakan and Ranjangaon MIDCs. A senior officer with Pune rural police said,“These figures are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more cases that are not reported by the industry. The industry itself is partly responsible for the rising crime.”

“These four MIDCs have about 700 industrial units of various scales. When land acquisition is privately done,help is sought from people with muscle power. Various licenses are required for starting the industroes; no-objection certificates are needed from gram panchayats. These people help industries in all these matters. In return,they demand contracts for land levelling,supplying construction material,labourers,transport facilities and security services. Then there is competition among powerful people locally for their share of the pie. This results in criminal elements holding industries to ransom,” the officer said.

Asked about the threats alleged by the industry,superintendent of police Shahaji Solunkhe had told this paper,”It was a complicated issue.” He,however,declined to comment on whether industrialists were responsible for the present scenario.

It is learnt that officers from the local crime branch of Pune rural police have prepared a note on this issue,highlighting the role of industry. Additional superintendent of police Ramnath Pokale said,“We cannot make a generalised statement in this matter. Every case needs to be looked into individually. We have taken action against criminals on police record and it will continue in the future.”

A resident of Chakan,who works as a security guard with a company and whose family land was acquired for a factory said,“Extortion is rampant in the area. Industries have strengthened these goons who now extort money from them,specially during elections. Local political leaders and police are also responsible for this situation as they also have their vested interests.”

Anant Sardeshmukh,director-general of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce,Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA),said,“This is a tricky issue. It will be unfair to say the industry is responsible for this. If land acquisition is not done by the government and has to be done privately by the companies,liaison is sometimes required to deal with farmers. Sometimes,villagers are indirectly convinced by local contacts.”

“In some cases,companies have to give an undertaking that jobs will be given to local residents. It is possible that there is rivalry among residents over this issue. There are many facets to the issue,” he added.