Women being targeted by local gang in Malwani
Dilnaz Boga / DNA
January 15, 5:22 IST
http://www.dnaindia.com/mobile/report.php?n=1788980
Mumbai: Women from Ambujwadi slum in Malvani are struggling to fight against a gang of youngsters who harass them and rob their houses in Malad (W). Despite several protests in the city against attacks on women, residents allege that the police is not keen on taking action against these criminals as they believe the cops are hand in glove with them.
After a spate of robberies in the slum, residents say that their complaints are going unheard. “The gang of youngsters (aged between 15 and 27) operate in groups of three or four. They rob houses in the middle of the night or early morning after using a spray on those asleep so that they don’t wake up. The police doesn’t take action as these criminals bribe them. They are known offenders who make and sell drugs,” said a resident, on the condition of anonymity.
Social workers claim that the gang is also involved in cases of sexual violence. Most of these cases are not reported for fear of reprisals.
“These youngsters are drug addicts who sell thinners, illegal alcohol and steal electricity. I was drugged early in the morning in November, 2012 following which they robbed my house. I lodged a complaint but no action has been taken so far,” said Gulab Pawar, a resident of Ambujwadi.
A 25-year-old man was beaten up by gang members when he complained to the police. “The police don’t help us. What can we do?” he said.
DCP Zone XI Mahesh Patil told DNA that the allegations were untrue. “Why should we let off robbers? No such complaints have been made,” he said and added that he will check with the senior inspector at Malvani police station.
