During a press meet with journalists at Patrakar Bhavan on Monday, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar issued a stern warning to criminals on Monday, stating that anyone entering a police station mentioning "Aaka" or "Kaka" will not be let off, as the police are determined to teach them a lesson for generations.
He also highlighted the numerical decline in crime rates across the city. Kumar confirmed that Gaja Marne has been named as an accused and will be arrested soon in a recent assualt case. Additionally, he dismissed the existence of any so-called "Koyta Gang" in Pune, clarifying that while some criminals use weapons to commit offenses, there is no such organised gang operating in the city.
Declining crime rates
Kumar highlighted that the average number of murders per month has decreased from 8.5 to 7.2. However, the police are not yet satisfied, as their target was to bring it down to 6.5. Moreover, the attempt-to-murder cases have also dropped by 34% in comparison to previous years. The incidents of vehicle vandalism and chain snatching have risen in recent days. The police are implementing major steps to curb these crimes.
Addressing the issue of criminal gangs, Kumar stated that many known criminals had been warned already.
Speaking on the recent assault on a software engineer during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrations, he confirmed that the accused have been charged under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), including their gang leader. Gaja Marne has also been named as an accused and will be arrested soon, he added. In this case, so far, three individuals have been arrested, while others remain absconding. The dedicated police team is actively searching for them.
Warning the gang members, Kumar highlighted that the police are not animated with them; however, if they commit crimes, they will face strict legal action.
CP on Koyta gangs
Kumar also dismissed the existence of any so-called "Koyta Gang" in Pune, stating that while some criminals use weapons to commit offenses, there is no organized gang operating under such a name. The police are taking necessary actions against such individuals to maintain law and order.
No political pressure on cops
Picking over the political pressure, Kumar shared that Pune police is operating independently and are not under any external pressure. Public trust is our first priority, and accordingly, we are making strong dialogue with public representatives.
He also addressed the case of Tanaji Sawant, stating that although he was initially very frightened, the police acted swiftly to ensure the safe return of his child. He declined the claims that Sawant filed a false complaint or that the police were held hostage.
Moreover, Kumar also warned that no one will get relief if they break the law. Anyone entering the police station mentioning "Aaka" or "Kaka" will not be let off. We are here to teach them a lesson for generations.
Regarding social media crimes, he mentioned that 20-22 cases have been filed against individuals for glorifying criminal activity online. To bow them down, legal action is under process.
A disturbing incident in Pune has sparked outrage, where a traffic police allegedly smashed a citizen's phone during a heated argument.The dispute escalated resulting in the officer destroying the citizen's phone. Authorities are urged to investigate and take necessary action pic.twitter.com/7oB8MCXqG9
— Mudassir Goenka (@MudassirGoenka7) February 23, 2025
Traffic cops hiding to issue fine
Kumar also revealed that some goons from Pune are traveling to other districts to threaten windmill operators. The police team is gathering information about such offenders, and we will take strict action against them if complaints arise.
Addressing concerns over traffic police, Kumar stated that hiding to issue fines is unacceptable. Officers have been instructed to remain visible at intersections rather than taking cover.
Finally, he noted that new firearm licenses will only be issued to those with an urgent need, while individuals with criminal backgrounds will be denied. So far, 300 licenses have been revoked.