Pune: Ahead of PMC Elections, Zone 1 Police Crack Down on Anti-Social Elements; 89 Externed
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 13th January 2026: Ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections 2026, Pune City Police have intensified preventive measures to maintain law and order across sensitive areas. Under this drive, Zone 1 police have taken multiple preventive actions against habitual offenders and potential troublemakers to ensure a peaceful polling process.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Krushikesh Rawale said that the action was part of a comprehensive election preparedness plan aimed at preventing any untoward incidents before and during voting. Today marked the final day of campaigning ahead of the January 15 voting.
“As part of preventive policing ahead of the PMC elections, Zone 1 police have taken strict action against individuals with criminal backgrounds and those likely to disturb public peace. Our objective is to ensure free, fair, and fear-free elections,” DCP Rawale said.
According to police data, a total of 164 persons were bound down under preventive bond proceedings. In addition, 21 individuals were arrested and lodged in jail under magisterial custody remand (MCR). Action under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act was taken against 93 persons, of whom two were sent to jail.
Police also invoked the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act against one individual. As many as 89 persons were externed (tadipaar) from the area to prevent the possibility of criminal activities during the election period.
To enhance visibility and instil confidence among citizens, Zone 1 police conducted 12 route marches in different localities. These marches were aimed at deterring anti-social elements and reassuring voters about security arrangements.
DCP Rawale further appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activity. “We urge voters to participate in the democratic process without fear. Pune police are fully prepared to provide a secure environment throughout the election period,” he said.
The preventive measures come at a time when election campaigning is at its peak, with polling scheduled soon. Pune City Police have indicated that strict vigilance and enforcement will continue until the completion of the election process.
