Residents of Trimurti Nagar, located along the busy Ring road of the South-West constituency, are facing a growing safety concern as the footpath outside their building has allegedly turned into an open bar. A wine shop operating just below the residential complex has become the centre of the issue, and locals claim that customers openly consume alcohol on the adjoining footpath, creating an atmosphere of fear and discomfort. According to the residents, the problem has persisted for over a year. Footpath turning into open bar Groups of men (often identified as auto drivers and alleged miscreants), gather outside the shop, drink in public and engage in loud arguments, foul language, and at times, physical altercations. The situation worsens after dark due to poor lighting and overgrown bushes in the area. “We can not even step out after evening. The footpath has become unsafe, especially for women and children,” said Anand, a resident. “There have been situations where people objected to such behaviour, and the drunk individuals tried to assault them. It is becoming unbearable,” said Abhay, a resident.

 

Women in the building have been reported facing verbal harassment. “They pass obscene comments when we pass by. It is extremely disturbing and humiliating,” shared a female resident, requesting anonymity. Despite repeated complaints made to the police via emergency helpline number 112, residents alleged that patrolling is irregular and no strict action has been taken yet. ‘The Hitavada’ contacted Pankaj Bhodse, Police Inspector, Ranapratap Nagar Police Station, and informed him of the situation. He assured that he will look into the matter and take appropriate action. “We will initiate patrols along the area and address this matter with seriousness,” he added.

 

Ilegal parking and unhygienic conditions: The issue is further aggravated by illegal parking and the presence of unauthorised stalls around the shop. Residents also claim that the wine shop owner has not cooperated in addressing the problem. “We are living in constant fear. We want some peace now, authorities must act before something serious happens,” said a senior citizen from the society. “After drinking, people dump alcohol bottles, glasses and other garbage near our building. Few even urinate on the footpath, it is so shameful to witness all such things,” said Shrushti, another resident of the society. The residents have now appealed to local authorities, demanding immediate intervention, strict police patrolling and regulation in the wine shop’s surroundings to restore safety and normalcy in the area.