Pune Crime Branch’s 48-Hour Blitz: 500 Criminals Receive Stern Warnings
Mubarak Ansari & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 8th February 2024: In the last two days, Pune City Police’s Crime Branch summoned about 500 criminals on police records, including those running organized gangs and involved in the drug trade. They were warned by senior officials to refrain from indulging in any criminal activity.
This move, though not new when a new Police Commissioner takes charge, is the first time such a large number of criminals were called to the Police Commissioner’s office in Camp. Videos of senior officers warning criminals have gone viral on social media.
When asked if this is his style of working and warning criminals when he takes charge, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said it is not so. “The policeman on the ground feels empowered. He is taking action against those who harass citizens,” he said.
On Wednesday, Pune city police summoned 150 individuals involved in drug peddling, firearm trade, gambling, prostitution rackets, and other illegal activities to the CP’s office.
DCP (crime) Amol Zende led a team that issued stern warnings and instructed them to cease such activities.
Earlier on Tuesday, police had summoned 267 criminals on police records including Ghaiwal, Gajanan Marne, Baba Bodke, Khada Waseem, Tipu Pathan who are known to run their gangs.
DCP Zende counseled the historysheeters at the CP office. “If you have understood, raise your hands. If you have not understood, raise your hands; this will not be repeated. If any video goes viral or reels flaunting terror emerge, be ready for strict action by the police,” Zende warned them.
“As a preventive step in policing, we summoned 267 criminals who are on police records. We have prepared a dossier with their complete details including latest addresses, phone numbers and social media accounts. Additionally, necessary advice has been given to them to refrain from any kind of criminal activity. They should not support, get involved directly or indirectly in any illegal activities. Criminals must avoid indulging in making reels/videos viral on social media, flaunting their status or actions. Crime Branch Unit 1, Unit 2, and Anti Extortion Cell units are assigned the responsibility of parading these criminals here and preparing the dossier,” DCP Zende told reporters.
Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar said that to combat criminal activities in slum areas and residential neighborhoods, the local police chowky officials will conduct patrols, especially in the evening hours. They are also directed to provide their contact numbers to the public for reporting emergencies or gang-related activities.
In another step, criminal intelligence units will be set up under Crime Branch to keep a watch on criminals, Kumar said.
