For many Nagpurians, a morning walk along the green stretch near Seminary Hills is a habit. But the fear of harassment and attacks is now forcing some to stay indoors. Even those who continue to walk or run towards Mother Dairy and Futala Lake say they no longer feel safe during the early morning hours. The recent attack on a runner by two car-borne youths has once again raised questions about police patrolling in the area. The incident took place around 5.30 am on Thursday, when businessman Alok Agrawal (44) was running with his friend Anil Trivedi between Walkers Street and Mother Dairy.

 

A speeding car approached them dangerously. Both runners moved aside and avoided being hit. When they objected to the driver’s driving, he stopped, apologised and drove away. However, after going some distance, the driver allegedly reversed at high speed and opened the car door while passing them. The door hit Agrawal, throwing him onto the road and leaving him seriously injured. The occupants fled. Sadar police later identified the accused as Uday Ghumade (22), a resident of Bhilgaon, and Arman Khan (22), from Shanti Nagar, and initiated action against them. Regular walkers say the attack is not an isolated incident. They have been using the stretch from Walkers Street towards Mother Dairy and Futala Lake since as early as 4 am. The greenery around Seminary Hills makes it a popular route, especially among senior citizens. However, they say the atmosphere has changed over the past few months. “Many of us have been coming here for years. Earlier, we could walk without worrying.

 

Now, groups of youths gather on the road and women are often subjected to remarks and gestures. Some regular walkers have stopped coming altogether,” said a morning walker. Another runner said police presence is largely limited to the barricaded stretch near Police Gymkhana and Ramgiri. “The barricades cover only about 800 metres and are put up for a few hours in the morning and evening. Those who run longer distances have to go towards Mother Dairy and Futala. There is hardly any patrolling on these stretches.

 

Miscreants take advantage of this,” he said. Walkers have also raised concerns about the road from Futala towards the Air Force Station. They said groups of youngsters often park their two-wheelers along the roadside and pass lewd remarks or make objectionable gestures at women. The harassment has forced some women to stop their morning runs, while others have changed their timings to avoid such encounters, they said. Citizens have demanded regular police patrolling from Walkers Street towards Mother Dairy, Futala Lake and the Air Force Station road, particularly between 4 am and 7 am. They have also sought strict action against those who harass women and motorists who put pedestrians at risk. Walkers say safety arrangements should cover the entire route, not just areas near prominent locations including official residence of Chief Minister or police deployment points.