Encroachment of mosque on government land in Shivajinagar Police Lines, Pune

Serious allegations by honorary animal welfare officer Shivshankar Swami
Claim that the land was also registered under the Waqf Board

Honorary Animal Welfare Officer Shivshankar Swami

Pune (Maharashtra) – In the Shivajinagar Police Lines area of Pune, a small space had reportedly been allotted for Muslim Police personnel to offer prayers. However, it is alleged that encroachment took place on about 10 gunthas of adjacent government land, and a large, well-developed mosque was constructed. Shivshankar Swami has made serious allegations through a video posted on Facebook, claiming that activities in this sensitive area could pose security risks. He has demanded immediate action against the alleged unauthorised construction.

Key points raised by Shivshankar Swami

1. Large outside crowd and harassment concerns

Although the mosque was reportedly meant only for Muslim Police personnel, around 400–500 people from areas such as Pune Camp, Kondhwa, Khadki, and Dapodi come daily for prayers. This has allegedly led to unauthorised parking near the Deputy Commissioner of Police’s residence and incidents of harassment involving female students from a nearby college, raising concerns about safety for local Police families. (How come Police officials fail to understand what an animal welfare officer understands? – Editor)

2. Alleged surveillance near Anti-Terror Squad office

It has been alleged that two controversial clerics from outside the state are residing there illegally, delivering provocative speeches, and that suspicious meetings take place at night. (What kind of meetings are being held, and who are all participating in them? A thorough investigation into this is necessary! – Editor) There are also claims that during a past incident involving the arrest of terrorists in Kothrud, individuals attempted to monitor the nearby Anti-Terrorism Squad Maharashtra office (located about 20 meters away) using cameras from behind the mosque. This activity was reportedly stopped after Police intervention.

3. Registration of government land under Waqf Board

It is alleged that certain Muslim Police personnel, in coordination with external groups, facilitated the registration of this government land under the Waqf Board India. According to the claims, local authorities were unaware of this development. A written complaint has reportedly been submitted to the Police Commissioner and Director General of Police, seeking legal action. It is also mentioned that threats to blow up the Police headquarters had been received earlier.

4. Demand for criminal action against involved Police personnel

Given that the Shivajinagar Police Lines area houses critical facilities such as an ammunition depot, Police headquarters, ATS office, and bomb disposal unit, it is considered highly sensitive from a security standpoint. There has been a demand to remove the alleged unauthorised structure and to initiate criminal proceedings against those involved, including Police personnel.