Haftas, commissions and contracts: Strongmen remain a pressure point for Pune’s industrial ecosystem

Pune’s industrial belts have attracted investment and employment, creating a thriving manufacturing network. However, this expansion has also brought about the presence of local strongmen who use their power and connections to demand money from businesses in the form of hafta (protection money), takka (percentage of profits), and various contracts.

This issue became prominent after the Talegaon-Chakan industrial hub faced infrastructure problems like traffic congestion and power outages. These strongmen pose a threat to industries, particularly in the Talegaon-Chakan and Ranjangaon-Shirur-Shikrapur corridors, where multinational corporations and small enterprises coexist.

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has played a pivotal role in industrial growth by developing land and infrastructure. Pune's government has been working to address the issue, with police increasing patrolling in industrial areas and conducting security audits. However, some companies fail to report extortion attempts promptly, allowing the perpetrators to continue their threats.

Local miscreants often target businesses for contracts in construction, transport, and scrap handling, as well as for extortion through regulatory complaints or claims of environmental or safety violations. Police urge companies to report extortion immediately, as delays can lead to escalation of violence and further threats.