E-way police on high alert

Around 100 cops have been deployed on patrol duty after a rise in thefts on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway

E-way police on high alert

Around 100 cops have been deployed on patrol duty after a rise in thefts on the Mumbai-Pune Expresswayu00a0u00a0u00a0

With a second incident of dacoity reported on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway within a span 15 days, the police are on their toes.

Yesterday at 3 am a gang of 12 dacoits looted passengers in a truck at gunpoint. Two persons were injured in the scuffle with the dacoits, who managed to flee with cash, jewellery and mobile phones worth Rs 57,000.

They also tried to loot other vehicles, when the Pune rural police arrived at the spot, but the dacoits gave them a slip.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Shashikant Mane, who opened fire on the dacoits, said they were armed with knives and swords and were pelting stones at the police. "Some of the police were injured in the attack and therefore, I opened fire on the dacoits," he said.

Pune Rural Police Superintendent Ravindra Kadam told MiD DAY, "We got to the spot of the crime fast, but the dacoits managed to sneak in the dark."

"We have identified some of the dacoits and will catch them in two to three days. Police teams have been sent to different places to trace them," added Mane.

Following yesterday's incident, security has been beefed up at the Expressway as well as the old Mumbai Pune Highway. "We have already beefed up the police patrolling on both these routes," said Kadam.

More policemen have been deployed between Wadagon, Maval and Lonawala city. "A total of 100 policemen are on duty to avoid any eventuality in the area," Mane said.

However, commuters who use the Expressway frequently are looking at alternate modes of travelling. Vijay Joshi, a government servant, who travels to Mantralaya daily, said, "Frequent robberies on the Expressway are a growing concern for my family. My wife has suggested that I use the train instead."u00a0u00a0

Added another commuter Anil Kamble, "I will not use the Expressway unless the dacoits are arrested."