Mumbai: This 74-year-old woman has been assisting cops for free for over 30 years

Anuradha Kulkarni, the septuagenarian who has been helping the police. Pic/Ashish Raje

Anuradha Kulkarni, a 74-year-old resident of Santacruz, has been helping the Mumbai police manage traffic, solve cases, and assist accident victims for the past 30 years - all without any salary. Despite walking with a slight bend due to a back issue, she actively stops motorists from entering the wrong lanes and recently helped the Bandra police catch a thief by chasing him on her bike along with the victim.

Kulkarni resides in Saraswat Colony, Santacruz West, with her daughter, son-in-law, and their two children. She began her journey as a traffic warden three decades ago after undergoing training at the Byculla-based Traffic Training Institute. She passed both the written and practical exams but chose not to wear the official uniform while on duty.

Kulkarni is often seen with her 30-year-old whistle around her neck, managing traffic at various spots, including Juhu Aeroplane Garden Junction, Captain Vinayak Gore Road signal at Vile Parle West, Podar School Lane, and near St Lawrence School in Santacruz West.

Anuradha Kulkarni, the 74-year-old traffic warden, in action as she assists with traffic management in Santacruz. Pic/Ashish Raje

Speaking with mid-day, Anuradha Kulkarni said, "Around 30 years ago, I was near Podar School in Santacruz and noticed many bikers entering the wrong lane. I immediately informed the traffic police and stopped several bikers. A traffic officer encouraged me to join as a traffic warden. Since then, I've been doing this voluntarily as a concerned citizen."

"Managing traffic, helping ambulances, and assisting schoolchildren are every citizen's duty. I'm just doing my part. I still use the same whistle I began with - it's lucky for me and motivates me to continue," she added.

Kulkarni always carries the whistle she received when she first joined the Mumbai Traffic Police as a traffic warden. "This whistle is very lucky for me and serves as my weapon - it motivates me to work for the betterment of the city. It also helps me stop vehicles from entering the wrong lane. I will carry this whistle until my last breath," she said.

When she nabbed a thief

An officer from Bandra police station shared, "In March, a man snatched R5000 from a person inside an ATM near Bandra Circle. The victim chased him, and granny Kulkarni, who witnessed the incident, joined the chase on her bike. She knew the accused had entered Tata Colony, which has only one exit. She alerted the Bandra police and waited at the colony gate with the victim. An hour later, when the accused tried to escape, the police apprehended him and recovered the stolen money."

Saved truck driver from mob

A Santacruz police officer recalled, "Two months ago, a man died while crossing the road. Kulkarni was managing traffic at the time and saw that the victim's slipper got stuck in a divider, causing him to fall in front of a moving truck. Angry locals began attacking the truck driver, but Kulkarni intervened and later testified that it wasn't the driver's fault. She remains a key witness in the case."

Helped catch a mobile thief

"About six months ago, a mobile phone was stolen from a watchman in a Santacruz society. Based on CCTV footage, Santacruz police asked Kulkarni for help identifying the accused. She investigated the area and learned the suspect was a sweeper in Juhu who had been absent for three days. She informed the police, who eventually arrested the man and recovered the phone," a police officer said.

Kulkarni helps guide pedestrians and manage the flow of vehicles in Santacruz. Pic/Ashish Raje

Beyond traffic management, Kulkarni is also a singer, cricketer, and sportsperson. She plays cricket, badminton, and carrom regularly in her neighbourhood. Kulkarni said, "Every day I roam around on my bike, and if I see a traffic issue, I stop and help. My mother-in-law gifted me a house in Tardeo, and the rent I receive is enough to cover my expenses. My family also supports my work. My husband, Ashok Kulkarni, who worked in a bank, passed away in 2004."

"People often disregard traffic rules, which causes more congestion and accidents. I try to educate them on the dangers of wrong-side driving. Following rules is every citizen's responsibility," she emphasised.

Senior Inspector Salim Tamboli of the Juhu traffic division said, "Though she is not an official traffic warden, Kulkarni assists us greatly. She even informs us about wrongly parked vehicles that obstruct traffic flow." Kulkarni was honoured in 2014 by actor Anupam Kher for her outstanding voluntary work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also helped the BMC distribute food to SARS-Cov-2-positive patients.

Locals Speak

Vinod Kumar Singh, who works at a motor training centre near Juhu Circle, said, "I have seen this granny multiple times in the Juhu area managing traffic alone. She is very active and fearlessly stands in the middle of the road. Many times, I've given her water when I saw her helping ease traffic. She is an inspiration to others, proving that age doesn't matter when you have a passion for work."

Prakash Badade, who runs a sugarcane juice stall outside the Juhu aeroplane garden, said, "I've been running this juice centre for the past 30 years, and I've seen this granny many times. She's often seen managing traffic and helping children cross the road. A few months ago, I saw her helping a man who had fallen from his bike at Juhu - she gave him water and even treated his injuries. She also carries a medical kit on her bike to help accident victims."