Animal Welfare Officer Shivshankar Swami flags illegal transfer of govt land to Waqf Board; demands criminal action against responsible officials
Pune, Maharashtra – A small space was allotted within the Shivajinagar Police Lines for Muslim police personnel to offer namaz. However, approximately 10 gunthas of the surrounding government land have been encroached upon to construct a large mosque.
Honorary Animal Welfare Officer Shivshankar Swami has raised serious concerns through a video posted on social media, alleging that activities in this sensitive area pose a security threat. He has demanded immediate action against the unauthorised construction.
Key points raised by Shivshankar Swami
1. Presence of large external crowd and harassment complaints
Although the space was intended exclusively for police personnel, it is noted that 400–500 people from areas such as Pune Camp, Kondhwa, Khadki, and Dapodi visit daily for namaz. This has reportedly led to unauthorised parking near the DCP’s residence and incidents of harassment of female students from a nearby college, raising safety concerns among local police families.
2. Surveillance of ATS Office
It is also alleged that two controversial maulvis from outside the state are residing there unlawfully, delivering provocative speeches and holding late-night meetings. It is further claimed that, in the past, attempts were made to monitor the nearby Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) office, located barely 20 metres away, using cameras installed behind the mosque. This activity was reportedly stopped after police intervention.
3. Government land being transferred to Waqf board
It is also being alleged that certain police personnel, in coordination with external organisations, facilitated the registration of this government land under the Waqf Board. The local administration was reportedly unaware of this development. A written complaint has been submitted to the Police Commissioner and the Director General of Police, seeking legal action, particlarly in light of previous threats to the police headquarters.
4. Demand for criminal action against responsible officials
Given the presence of critical facilities such as an ammunition depot, police headquarters, ATS office, and a bomb detection unit, the area is considered highly sensitive from a security standpoint.
It has been demanded that the unauthorised mosque be removed and that criminal cases be registered against the police personnel involved, including measures that would affect their pensions.