Residents of Chikhali, Pune, can now breathe easy after police shut down an illegal liquor den hidden in a labor camp. Months of fear, violence, and harassment ended, restoring safety and calm for families near Harrison and Legacy Riverside societies.
Mrudula Narale
Pune, May 03, 2025: Families in Chikhali, Pune, are finally able to breathe easy after police closed down an illegal liquor den that had transformed their quiet neighborhood into a terror zone. Hidden within a labour camp that houses 2,000 to 3,000 workers, adjacent to the Harrison and Legacy Riverside housing societies, the den had brought months of anguish. Drunk laborers yelling, fighting, and even pelted stones at houses made life intolerable for residents, particularly children, women, and grandparents. Due to the neighborhood’s bravery and swift action by the police, the den is no more, restoring a sense of peace to these tight-knit families.
Life in Chikhali was not always so. The mayhem began after the liquor den appeared in the labor camp, making nighttimes hell. Parents were concerned about leaving their kids to play outside, and women were afraid to walk around their own homes. The endless bickering and misbehavior from drunk workers kept everyone in constant fear. Fed up with living in fear, the citizens united and cried out, pleading with the police to intervene. Their cries were heard, and the police acted quickly, shutting down the den and bringing families the relief they prayed for.
For residents of Harrison and Legacy Riverside, this is a new beginning. Mothers can finally watch their children ride their bicycles without fear, and older couples can walk in the evening once more. The den closing is more than simply quiet streets—it’s being able to feel safe in their own community. Yet the experience left some with some residual fears. The families are requesting the police to screen who is residing in the labour camp, worried that some workers may not have valid IDs or may be dangerous. They simply want to ensure their community remains a safe environment for all.
This wasn’t the only Chikhali liquor problem—four other illegal establishments were recently closed down as part of a wider crackdown in the state. For the families in this area, however, it’s personal. They appreciate the police hearing them out and acting fast. The children laughing in the courtyards and neighbors socializing without fear are testament to their hard work paying off.
As Chikhali families resume their routines, they’re looking to a safer, brighter future. The police crackdown has given them a respite from fear, but also an appeal to continue looking out for one another. For the moment, children’s laughter and peaceful evenings at home are tiny but sweet wins, reminding all that home is supposed to be a heaven.