Pune: In the past 13 months, Lonikand Police Station has witnessed the transfer of three Senior Police Inspectors. The police station, covering the village of Wagholi and its population of three lakh, faces significant challenges, including a shortage of officers and staff.
Newly appointed Senior Police Inspectors are tasked with curbing crime and building mutual respect between the police and the community.
Previously under rural police, Lonikand Police Station was integrated into the Pune Police Commissionerate on March 23, 2021. Pratap Mankar, who served as a Police Inspector at that time, worked as Senior Police Inspector for four months and was known for his strict discipline.
He was followed by Gajanan Pawar, who served for two years and maintained excellent crime control and police-public communication. Known for his calm demeanor, Pawar was succeeded by Vishwajeet Kaingade, who was also known for his strict discipline.
Kaingade kept crime in check but was transferred after eight months due to a suicide incident involving a young man at a police outpost.
After Kaingade, Kailas Kare was appointed but was transferred again after only four months. Savalaram Salgaonkar took over but was transferred within two months per the Election Commission's directive.
Now, Pandit Rejeetwad has been appointed as the Senior Police Inspector and took charge on Friday. This young officer faces many challenges ahead.
In recent times, an Assistant Police Inspector from the station was caught in an ACB trap, and a Sub-Inspector went missing due to stress but was found safe within 24 hours. Additionally, a hotel owner attempted suicide at the police station, citing police harassment.
These incidents have kept Lonikand Police Station in the news. Officers and staff are reportedly reluctant to work there due to the heavy workload.
Eighty-five percent of the crime in the Lonikand police jurisdiction occurs in Wagholi, leading to increased pressure on officers and staff. Although the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the establishment of an independent Wagholi Police Station, residents are questioning when it will actually be operational.
