After Sule, Ambadas Danve Raises Alarm Over Crime in Pune, Questions Police Functioning

Pune, 3rd June 2026: Two days after NCP (SP) working president and MP Supriya Sule expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Pune, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and former Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Ambadas Danve on Tuesday also raised serious questions over rising crime in the city, alleging that citizens have lost confidence in the police administration.

Danve made the remarks during his visit to Hadapsar, where he led a Shiv Sena (UBT) delegation to meet families of those who died in the recent hooch tragedy. The visit was undertaken on the directions of party chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Addressing the media after meeting the victims’ families and later interacting with Pune Police Commissioner officials, Danve said that while crime statistics on paper may indicate a decline, the ground reality paints a different picture.

“Even today, criminals are operating and orchestrating crimes from inside jails. Pune, once known as the cradle of education, is unfortunately earning a reputation as a haven for criminals. Crime is increasing and citizens are losing faith in the police. Is the Police Commissioner asleep?” Danve asked.

He claimed that residents, particularly women, voiced concerns about safety and demanded stronger police protection. According to Danve, women in the area complained about the open sale of narcotics, including marijuana, and alleged that intoxicating substances were being mixed into paan and sold across several parts of Pune.

“The problem is not limited to Hadapsar. Drug peddling is taking place across the city and there appears to be little effective action from the police. Citizens are suffering because of criminal elements and are now demanding protection. Creating a safe environment for women and residents is the responsibility of both the police machinery and the government,” he said.

Danve alleged that drug dealers operate openly, taking orders through mobile phones and continuing their activities late into the night. Fear of retaliation, he said, prevents many residents from filing complaints.

Questioning the handling of the Hadapsar hooch tragedy, Danve said merely suspending officials would not be enough. “If every major case has to be handed over to the CID for investigation, it reflects declining public trust in local police. The suspended senior police inspector and excise department officials should be made co-accused in the case. Only then will there be accountability and deterrence,” he said.

He also targeted the State Excise Department, alleging that some officials facilitate illegal liquor operations while harassing licensed businesses for extortion. Danve said he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior state officials.

Responding to a question on the absence of Pune’s guardian minister following the hooch tragedy, Danve drew a comparison with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. “When Ajit Dada was guardian minister, his efficiency was visible. Had he been in charge, he would have reached the spot within hours. His absence is being felt, and it raises questions about those carrying forward his legacy,” he said.

Danve also expressed doubts over the official death toll in the hooch tragedy, claiming that some deaths may have gone unrecorded because families conducted last rites without seeking medical examination or post-mortem reports.