Veteran Bollywood actor and former Miss India Sangeeta Bijlani has applied for a firearm licence, citing safety concerns after her farmhouse in Pavana Nagar near Lonavla was vandalised and robbed in July this year. The incident, which occurred while the property was unoccupied, left the actor shaken and worried about women’s safety in remote residential areas.

Bijlani calls for better security for women in isolated homes

During her visit to Pune on Saturday, Bijlani met Pune rural superintendent of police Sandeep Singh Gill, urging authorities to expedite the investigation and enhance security in the Pavana region. “I’ve lived there peacefully for twenty years, but for the first time, I don’t feel safe anymore,” she said. “This isn’t just about a burglary—it’s about a complete breakdown of security for women and families living in isolated bungalows and farmhouses.”

The Pavana Nagar area, known for its scenic villas and weekend retreats, has seen a rise in similar break-ins in recent years. Residents have repeatedly complained about inadequate policing and lack of CCTV coverage in the region.

Details of the incident

According to the Lonavla rural police, the robbery and vandalism took place sometime between March 7 and July 18, when the farmhouse was unoccupied. Bijlani discovered the damage upon returning after a four-month absence due to her father’s illness.

“I was frightened to find the main door broken,” she recalled. “As I walked through the house, the extent of destruction was horrifying. Graffiti with obscenities was scrawled across glass panels and walls, household items were smashed, and everything looked deliberately ruined.”

What the police found

Initial investigations suggest that the intruders broke in through a window after damaging its grille, then stole cash and valuables before vandalising the property. Among the stolen items were ₹50,000 in cash and an old television worth ₹7,000. Police added that CCTV cameras around the property were destroyed, indicating a premeditated act to avoid detection.

The upper floors also bore signs of smoke and fire damage, while furniture and electronics were deliberately broken. An FIR was registered at Lonavla rural police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against unidentified persons.

Police assure swift action

SP Sandeep Singh Gill has assured Bijlani that the investigation is being treated as a priority case. “He has been extremely supportive, and I appreciate his assurance. But now it’s time things start moving fast,” the actor added.

Fear pushes actor to seek firearm licence

In light of the attack, Bijlani has formally applied for a firearm licence, citing a deep sense of insecurity. She said she now fears staying alone and wants to ensure her personal safety. “This is not about aggression but about protection,” she said, highlighting the vulnerability of women living in remote locations.

Broader concerns over safety

The incident has reignited conversations around the safety of isolated villas and farmhouses near Lonavla and Pavana Lake, which are often left unattended for long durations. Locals have urged police to increase night patrols, install surveillance systems, and improve emergency response times.

Authorities said that the investigation is ongoing and additional patrol units have been deployed in the region to prevent similar incidents.

Conclusion

Sangeeta Bijlani’s ordeal sheds light on the growing security concerns faced by residents of semi-rural luxury areas. As police work to trace the culprits, the actor’s move to seek a firearm licence underscores the urgent need for stronger community safety measures in and around Pune’s outskirts.

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, Pune rural police investigation, women safety in Maharashtra,

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Sangeeta Bijlani seeks gun licence after robbery at Lonavla farmhouse

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Actor Sangeeta Bijlani applies for firearm licence after robbery at her Lonavla farmhouse, urging police action and raising concerns over women’s safety.

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