Pimpri Chinchwad Police Seize Rs 1.76 Crore, Weapons, and Narcotics During Election Vigilance

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 19th November 2024: Since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections on 15th October, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC) has taken several actions to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Over the past month, the police have seized Rs 1.76 crore in unaccounted cash, along with nearly 49 weapons, 100 live cartridges, and 93 lethal weapons, including koytas, swords, and others.

During elections, tensions often rise, and attempts to disrupt the process are not uncommon. Vote-buying, threats and violence can sometimes occur. In response, officials from PCPC, under the leadership of Vinoy Kumar Choubey, have implemented preventive measures to ensure that elections are conducted fairly, peacefully, and without fear, effectively preventing crimes during this period.

For this operation, PCPC deployed 17 flying squads, comprising 32 officers and 102 police constables, along with 14 teams for static surveillance, with 84 police constables on duty. To ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents, 99% of licensed weapon holders submitted their weapons.

Alcohol and narcotics are often used to influence voters during elections. The Pimpri Chinchwad Police successfully seized 2.41 lakh litres of alcohol worth Rs 1.14 crore. Additionally, 49 kilograms of ganja (marijuana) worth Rs 37.93 lakh were confiscated.

Prevention Action Taken Against Notorious Criminals

Notorious criminals attempting to disrupt peace in the area were also targeted, with preventive action taken against 1,438 individuals. Additionally, 41 accused from 10 gangs were charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act of 1999. Seven repeat offenders were externed from Pune District. All these actions were carried out under the guidance of Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, and Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi.