Pune: PMC's Controversial Anti-Encroachment Drive in Kharadi Raises Questions

Kharadi, 16th February 2026: Allegations have surfaced regarding an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in the Kharadi area, after action was taken on land reportedly owned by a private developer rather than on public property.

The operation was carried out last week in Boratenagar, where civic teams removed approximately 185,000 square feet of temporary and permanent unauthorised structures. The demolition began around 5 a.m. and involved a large deployment of municipal staff and machinery. At the time, the drive drew attention because it coincided with the day of the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections.

Local discussions intensified after it emerged that the land where the structures stood was not a public road or government plot but property belonging to a private builder. Sources indicated that the alleged encroachments had existed even before the developer purchased the land and that the owner had been unable to clear them independently. Questions have since been raised about whether administrative machinery was used to resolve a private land dispute.

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the civic body had received a complaint about an unauthorised market operating under the name “Bharat Mata” in the area and acted on that basis. He added that if it is found that the action was taken to benefit a private builder, it would be considered inappropriate and the matter would be examined.

When contacted, officials from the anti-encroachment department said they acted following instructions from the building department. However, officials from the building department stated that the drive was conducted based on a complaint received by the anti-encroachment department. The differing accounts between departments have added to doubts about the circumstances surrounding the demolition.

The use of an old notice as the basis for action has also raised questions among observers, with some expressing surprise over the timing and scale of the operation. The community and local leaders are calling for a transparent investigation to ensure that public resources are not misused for private gain.