Rakshaknagar Society in Pune stands true to its name

Pune: On the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, residents of a Kharadi-based society have decided to safeguard themselves, along with those who visit their households. 
Over 600 residents of the society have not only installed CCTVs in their premises but also in the adjacent lane, where a spate of chain-snatching incidents has been witnessed. 
This initiative by the Rakshaknagar’s Gold Society in Kharadi was taken after the city saw a steady increase in chain-snatching and house break-ins. The residents met officers from the Yerawada police station, and decided to place CCTV cameras in their area. 
Chairman of the society, Santosh Bharne, said, “Ours is a 10-year-old society. This is the best gift on the occasion. Soon after the inauguration of these CCTV cameras by top officers, the very next day a robbery took place at a medical store in our area. The CCTV grabs have been handed over to the police.” 
Afsar Shaikh (57), secretary of the Society said, “Since six months, many people living in the area were victims of chain snatching. When we approached the police, they were clueless. To find a solution, we had a meeting with the inspectors in-charge of the Yerawada police station and with their help we drew a plan to place CCTV cameras. We have placed 30 cameras in our society, and 10 on the nearby roads leading to Airport Road and Ahmednagar Road. We have spent Rs4 lakh.”
Additional commissioner of police (crime) Shahaji Solunke and deputy commissioner of police (zone IV) Manoj Patil inaugurated the CCTVs. Solunke said, “This is an example to other housing societies and such initiatives will help police not only to arrest culprits, but also during courts trails.”