RAIGAD

Raigad district has a well-organized network of police stations across major towns and talukas, including Alibag, Panvel, Karjat, Mahad, and Roha, ensuring law and order in both urban and rural areas.

Police presence is especially important in coastal tourist destinations like Alibag, Murud, and Shrivardhan, where officers manage crowds, prevent crime, and ensure visitor safety. Industrial hubs such as Taloja MIDC, Rasayani, and Patalganga have dedicated units to protect businesses, oversee labor activities, and handle security concerns.

In Raigad, police officers are typically addressed as Mama or Saheb, with Dada used informally, while female officers are respectfully called Tai or Madam.

In 2008, a new central jail was established in Taloja, Raigad district, to alleviate the overcrowding at the Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. The Taloja Jail spans approximately 77 acres and was initially situated far from the main city of Kharghar. However, over the years, residential developments have encroached upon its vicinity, with buildings now nearly adjacent to the jail compound.

The jail's compound walls stand 20 feet high, and it is named after the village of Taloja, where it is located. With a designed capacity of around 2,124 inmates, the facility has often housed approximately 3,000 prisoners at any given time. High-security inmates are placed in the ‘anda’ cell, a specially designated area for their protection. The prison complex also includes a hospital building, residences for officers, and even a lake.

Over the years, Taloja Jail has seen many high-profile inmates, including gangster Abu Salem, who is implicated in the 1993 Bombay blast case, and dismissed police officer Sachin Waze, who was involved in the Antilia terror scare case.

Locals say that the Raigad district is generally perceived as safe, particularly for students and young professionals who move from villages and small towns to urban centers like Mahad, Roha, Pen, Panvel, and Kharghar for education and job opportunities. Public transport is commonly used, and many young individuals commute daily without significant safety concerns.

However, residents note that in disputes (whether related to traffic violations or late-night celebrations), local groups often assert their dominance, expecting outsiders to comply. While such incidents occur, they are usually confined to specific situations.

Despite these occasional challenges, most people view the district as relatively safe, especially during the day. However, caution is advised in crowded areas and during nighttime travel.