Supriya Sule Demands Pune Police Commissioner Be Sent on Compulsory Leave Over Rising Crime, Target Govt Over Liquor Deaths

Pune, 30th May 2026: NCP (SP) working president and MP Supriya Sule on Saturday demanded that Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar be sent on compulsory leave, alleging that the deteriorating law and order situation in the city has turned Pune into the “crime capital of Maharashtra”.

Addressing reporters in Shivajinagar, Sule blamed both the state government and the city police administration for the recent rise in crime and said the situation reflected a complete failure of governance.

Referring to recent incidents, including the illicit liquor tragedy that claimed more than 18 lives, Sule said Pune, once known as the state’s educational hub, was now gaining notoriety for rising criminal activities. She noted that students from across India and abroad come to Pune for education, but the city’s image was being tarnished by repeated law-and-order failures.

Citing crime statistics released by the Centre, Sule claimed Pune ranks fifth in the country and first in Maharashtra in terms of crime. She said it was unfortunate that Pune had overtaken Nagpur, which had previously been at the top of the state’s crime rankings.

The Baramati MP also criticised the government over a range of issues, including the alleged NEET examination paper leak, rising inflation and increasing crimes against women and minor girls, holding the government responsible for failing to address these concerns.

Demanding accountability in the illicit liquor deaths case, Sule said both the police department and the State Excise Department should face a thorough inquiry. “What will be achieved merely by suspending a few officials? The government must explain what the police and administration were doing while such illegal activities were operating,” she said.

Sule alleged that the Pune Police Commissioner had failed in his responsibilities and should accept responsibility for the worsening situation. She urged the Chief Minister to take immediate action and send the commissioner on compulsory leave pending a review of the city’s law-and-order management.