“Senior Police Officers Are Falling Short,” Says Ajit Pawar on Rising Crime in Pune
Pune, 9th January 2025: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar visited Pune today to inspect various developmental projects and addressed the media on several pressing issues affecting the city. He expressed concern over the recent incidents of crime, including the murder of a young woman in an IT company and the activities of “koyta” gangs.
Pawar criticized senior police officers for falling short in crime prevention, stating, “We do not allow political interference in the police work in Pune and provide them with all necessary basic amenities. However, the murder of a young woman working in IT, the Koyta gang, and other criminal incidents are being discussed all over Maharashtra. This means that senior police officers are falling short.”
He emphasized that if maintaining law and order is beyond their capabilities, they should admit it so new officers can be brought in to curb crime. Pawar assured that Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis are taking the crime situation in Pune seriously, and he will personally review the situation with senior police officers.
Regarding development and infrastructure, Pawar highlighted the need to address Pune’s complex traffic issues. He praised Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) tax system reforms, including the use of drones to survey properties, and instructed the Pune Municipal Commissioner (PMC) to implement similar reforms in PMC. A decision was made to purchase 200 new Tata buses for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).
Pawar also addressed several other issues, including resolving matters related to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), discussing Ring Road issues, addressing hostel needs for students through the Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, and coordinating with the Department for Defence for construction in Bopodi. He announced an investigation into delays in teachers’ salary payments and the upcoming joining of various local leaders to the Nationalist Congress Party.
Pawar concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining public trust and focusing on Pune’s development.
