Illegal “Varkari Bhavan” Linked to Gang Operative Demolished in Pune
A multi-storey building used for illicit activity under cloak of religious service has been razed in Pune as part of an anti-encroachment blitz against criminal syndicates.
Pune | November 12, 2025: In a decisive action against organised crime and illegal encroachments, Pune authorities demolished an unauthorized multi-storey structure known locally as “Varkari Bhavan,” allegedly connected to a notorious gang figure. The building, located in the Nana Peth area, was illegally constructed without civic permissions and had been functioning under the pretext of a social or spiritual establishment. However, investigations revealed that the property was being used for criminal activities including extortion, illegal gatherings, and gambling.
The demolition drive began early in the morning, led by a joint operation between the Pune Police and the municipal enforcement team. Heavy machinery was deployed, and the area was cordoned off to prevent interference during the operation. Officials stated that the structure had encroached upon public land and violated multiple construction and zoning laws. Its removal was part of a larger anti-encroachment campaign aimed at dismantling assets linked to criminal enterprises across the city.
The crackdown marks a significant escalation in Pune’s strategy to curb the influence of underworld operatives who have used illegal properties as fronts for money laundering and local dominance. Over the past few months, several such properties, including warehouses, halls, and commercial structures, have been brought down. The administration has also intensified scrutiny of land records and property transfers to prevent encroachment and fraudulent ownership transfers.
Authorities noted that the so-called “Varkari Bhavan” was being presented to the public as a community or religious center, attracting local residents and disguising its true purpose. Officials emphasized that this operation is not an isolated case but part of a sustained campaign to reclaim illegally occupied government and public lands. They also indicated that additional properties associated with the same gang network are under review and could face similar action soon.
The incident has reignited discussion about systemic lapses that allow illegal constructions to thrive for years despite being clearly visible to local bodies. It has raised questions about accountability within civic enforcement, inspection procedures, and the misuse of religious or charitable institutions as legal cover for criminal activities.
Public safety experts have hailed the move as an essential step toward restoring the rule of law and reclaiming civic spaces. They assert that targeting the financial and infrastructural assets of criminal networks is far more effective than arrests alone, as it dismantles the economic base sustaining their influence. The move has also been welcomed by residents, who view it as a long-awaited response to years of unchecked criminal expansion in the area.
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