Pune Police Commissioner Orders Strict Action on Non-Cognizable Offences by Notorious Criminals
Pune, 24th April 2025: Pune City Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar has directed all police station heads in the city to treat non-cognizable offences registered against notorious history-sheeters with greater seriousness by thoroughly investigating the details and filing cognizable cases wherever warranted. This move aims to prevent criminals from evading justice by exploiting the less stringent procedures associated with non-cognizable offences. The police have initiated measures to collect detailed information on approximately 37,000 criminals and their associates, dividing the data into 15 zones, with 4,400 criminals identified as top priority.
Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade stated that police patrol teams have been ordered to regularly monitor these criminals and maintain strict surveillance of their movements. He emphasised that many crimes—such as intimidation and assault—committed by these offenders often fall under non-cognizable offences, which previously limited police action. Now, with this directive, such cases will be investigated rigorously, enabling the use of stronger legal provisions such as the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug-Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act (MPDA) for effective prosecution.
The police have also intensified efforts to enforce strict measures against criminals who return to the city despite prior expulsion orders, noting that nearly 800 offenders have violated such bans in the past three years. Residents and business owners in affected areas are urged to promptly report threats or harassment to the police. To build community trust and support, local police stations have been instructed to conduct regular meetings and provide guidance to residents in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
