Shirdi Gram Sabha to direct detailed census of residents

After a recent double murder that left the temple town shaken, the Gram Sabha of Shirdi has decided to appoint a private agency to conduct a detailed census of residents to identify 'outsiders' and take action against them.

- Shrinivas Deshpande

PUNE:

The diktat does not apply to devotees or those who are staying with legal documents. However, beggars and those who are unable to prove their identity are likely to face the scrutiny.

The decision is among a series of measures taken to enhance security in the town that has seen a steady rise in crime in recent years. According to police data, Shirdi recorded 224 criminal cases in 2021 which nearly tripled to 568 cases in 2023. In 2022, as many as 339 cases were registered and in 2024, at least 430 cases were registered. While law enforcement has been able to solve a significant number of these cases, the growing trend remains a cause for concern.

A meeting was held on Tuesday with stakeholders from Shirdi to discuss the measures implemented in the wake of the recent double murder that shook the town, raising alarm among residents, devotees and the authorities. They come following concerns that Shirdi might have become a refuge for criminal elements. However, the response is a mixed bag. While many residents are supporting the move, others are wary of potential discrimination or misuse of the scrutiny process.