A 69-year-old from Delhi was allegedly robbed at knifepoint by an autorickshaw driver during a trip to Bhimashankar. The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety in Pune’s transport system.
Pune | 16 July, 2025 – The quiet pilgrimage to Bhimashankar temple took a harrowing turn for a senior citizen from Delhi, who found himself at the mercy of an autorickshaw driver in a shocking robbery incident. The 69-year-old, visiting Pune for work, had hired the autorickshaw from the city’s railway station to travel to the revered temple, a popular spiritual destination. What began as a routine journey ended in fear and loss, as the driver allegedly threatened the elderly man with a knife and stole ₹34,500 in cash and digital payments.
The incident occurred on the return journey through the dense forests surrounding Bhimashankar, a remote area that left the victim vulnerable. The senior citizen, shaken by the ordeal, reported the crime to the Bund Garden Police Station, sparking an investigation into the driver’s actions. The case has sent ripples through Pune, where autorickshaws are a lifeline for many, especially for elderly travelers who rely on them for safe transport. For the victim, the betrayal of trust was as painful as the financial loss, turning a spiritual journey into a traumatic memory.
This robbery has struck a chord with Pune’s residents, many of whom are now questioning the safety of public transport. Senior citizens, in particular, feel increasingly at risk, as stories of theft and assault in isolated areas grow. The incident has also highlighted the challenges of ensuring accountability among autorickshaw drivers, who operate independently and often without strict oversight. For families, the thought of their loved ones facing such dangers is deeply unsettling, prompting calls for better regulation and monitoring of transport services.
The police are actively investigating, analyzing CCTV footage and tracking leads to identify the suspect. The case has drawn attention to similar incidents in Pune, where vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, have been targeted by opportunistic criminals. Community members are urging authorities to implement stricter background checks for drivers and to increase patrols in remote areas like Bhimashankar, where travelers are more exposed to risks.
The senior citizen’s ordeal has also sparked broader conversations about protecting vulnerable populations. Many are advocating for awareness campaigns to educate passengers about safe travel practices, such as verifying driver credentials or traveling in groups. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for compassion and vigilance in ensuring that everyone, especially the elderly, can move through the city without fear.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served, and measures will be put in place to prevent such incidents. For now, the people of Pune stand in solidarity with the victim, determined to make their city a safer place for all.
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