Nal Stop Chowk, a popular spot in Karve Nagar, Pune, known for its bustling food outlets and snack centers, wore a deserted look on Saturday, May 25. Regular patrons like Rohan Munjal were taken aback when they found all the food establishments shuttered. The closure wasn’t without reason. Following the tragic accident on May 19 in Kalyaninagar, where a 17-year-old boy allegedly caused a fatal collision, the police have intensified their crackdown on similar establishments that cater to the city’s youth.
Disappointment Among Regulars
Rohan Munjal expressed his disappointment, stating, “Every week we come here to have an early morning breakfast but today, when we came here, it was all closed. I guess it is because of the Kalyani Nagar accident. However, it was our go-to spot for early morning food.”
Police Instructions
When Hindustan Times visited Nal Stop Chowk early in the morning on May 25, many people, especially youths, were visibly disheartened. A shopkeeper at the chowk revealed on condition of anonymity, “Ever since the accident occurred at Kalyaninagar, the police have instructed us to keep our shops closed. We normally start the shop at midnight and it goes on till 9 am.”
Impact on Students
Nal Stop Chowk is not just a hub for early risers but also a favorite haunt for Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) students who burn the midnight oil. Siddharth Kamble, an MPSC aspirant, lamented the closure, saying, “We study at night and go to Nal Stop Chowk in the morning for snacks. However, it is closed since the last few days. Hence, we now make our own tea. We are waiting for those shops to start again.”
