Pune: The Bopdev Ghat, a popular tourist spot near Pune, has become a hotspot for criminal activity due to the closure of the local police help center and a lack of regular patrolling.

This negligence by law enforcement has contributed to a recent horrific gang rape incident, further raising concerns about public safety.

The Bopdev Ghat, along with nearby Dive Ghat and Katraj Tunnel areas, are well-known for their scenic views and attract a large number of tourists, especially couples and young people, who frequent the area both during the day and late into the night.

However, the remoteness of these locations, combined with poor police presence, has made them increasingly vulnerable to crimes such as robbery and assault.

The gang rape, which took place in close proximity to a non-operational police help center, has drawn widespread criticism of the police department.

Local residents and activists have pointed out that the help center, set up three years ago in response to a series of robberies, is now defunct, and patrolling in the area has decreased significantly.

The Kondhwa police station, responsible for the area, is located far from the ghat, and mobile network connectivity issues further complicate quick access to emergency services.

In previous years, continuous police patrolling was implemented to curb the rising number of criminal incidents, and a help center was established to offer immediate assistance to tourists and locals.

This initiative initially helped reduce crime in the area, but with the discontinuation of these safety measures, incidents have been on the rise once again.