PUNE, 11 NOV. The dispute between the Someshwar Sugar Factory administration and the commercial establishments within its premises has escalated. Today, the factory administration put up metal sheets (tin sheets) in front of the shops that were opposing relocation to new premises.
Although the Someshwarnagar Police administration tried to mediate between the shopkeepers and the factory management, reaching an amicable solution through discussion, some traders chose to pursue a legal route, leading to renewed tension. Consequently, the Someshwar Factory's Board of Directors began the process of erecting metal sheets along the shops located on its land early on Monday (November 10) morning, effectively covering the entire shop fronts. This action, however, also affected businesses that had earlier agreed to the relocation.
Tight police security, under the guidance of Assistant Police Inspector Naghnath Patil of the Wadgaon Nimbalkar Police Station, was maintained to prevent any untoward incidents. Due to the sealing, not a single shop could open, resulting in significant financial losses for the traders.
The dispute centres on 92 shopkeepers who have been operating their businesses along the Karanjepool-Someshwar Factory road for the past fifty to sixty years. The factory administration argues that road widening is essential due to the continuous increase in factory operations, which pose a hindrance to sugarcane transport and a safety risk to students. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had also requested the traders' cooperation for this work.
The factory's annual general meeting had also passed a resolution regarding the shop line. Earlier, with the mediation of the factory's directors, police, and journalists, an amicable solution was reached. At that time, the factory decided to offer three types of commercial units to the traders without a security deposit and at a rent of ₹20 per square foot. Out of 92 shopkeepers, 78 had consented to this plan. However, some traders later modified their consent letters and opted for legal action, intensifying the disagreement once again.
The factory administration has stated that common traders will not be left stranded, but clearing the area for road widening is unavoidable. Due to the sealing, the always busy factory premises and crossroads have become deserted.
Plea of Traders
The traders who agreed to the relocation have requested the factory administration to consider their plight, stating that nearly 90% of them had given their consent to move to the new location. However, because of the 10% of traders who sought legal recourse, metal sheets have been put up in front of the shops of other traders as well, causing them undue loss.
