Pickpockets in shadows: Solan MC urges action ahead of Shoolini Fair

In a bid to curb the alarming rise in pickpocketing incidents across Solan city, the Municipal Corporation has written to the district administration urging immediate action to restrict the entry of suspicious individuals believed to be behind these petty crimes. Mayor Usha Sharma has flagged a worrying trend, noting that a number of youth involved in beggary are arriving in Solan via trains from Kalka, particularly during events when large crowds gather.

“Solan’s dense population and mushrooming slums provide a fertile ground for such miscreants to operate unnoticed,” Sharma said. Expressing serious concern, she added: “I’ve written to the Deputy Commissioner to take up this matter with railway authorities at Kalka to prevent such elements from boarding trains headed to Solan and Shimla.”

The issue gained fresh urgency following several reports of theft during BJP national president JP Nadda’s visit on June 2. Crowds had thronged the Mall Road for the event, and amid the bustle, pickpockets struck. Mukesh Gupta, a local trader, reported a loss of Rs 7,000, while many wallets—emptied of cash but containing intact ID documents—were found discarded near food stalls.

Residents claim these groups operate with calculated precision and vanish quickly after committing thefts. With the Shoolini Fair scheduled from June 21 to 23—a major state-level event that draws thousands of devotees and traders—citizens fear an uptick in criminal activity. “If no preventive steps are taken now, the fair could turn into a free run for such criminals,” a local shopkeeper warned.

The crime wave isn’t limited to pickpocketing. In recent days, Solan witnessed a broad daylight chain-snatching by two women and a shocking case in which a resident was allegedly hypnotized and robbed of jewellery. These incidents have raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety, especially in the evenings.

Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that no formal reports had been received, but acknowledged the public concern. “We’ll examine the issue closely. Migrants found loitering without reason will be registered and, if found suspicious, sent back to their native places. Anyone caught committing crimes will face strict legal action,” he assured.

As Solan gears up for the vibrant Shoolini Fair, officials are under growing pressure to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Himachal Tribune