Pune, June 2 (IANS) A public spat has erupted between political leaders and the police in Pune over the city’s crime situation, after Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule termed it the “capital of criminals” and sought that Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar be sent on forced leave.

Responding to Sule’s allegations, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar issued a detailed 9-page letter, offering a point-by-point rebuttal. In the letter, Kumar presented official statistics to back his claim that the city’s crime rate has steadily declined.

The political storm erupted after a recent illicit liquor tragedy in Pune claimed 21 lives. Following the incident, MP Supriya Sule held a press conference and launched a scathing attack on the police administration.

Addressing her allegations, Commissioner Amitesh Kumar wrote, “We always welcome constructive criticism. However, circulating incorrect statistics on social media creates an atmosphere of distrust among citizens, which anti-social elements exploit. This defames the city and demoralises the police force.”

He further appealed to everyone to guide and support the police force to preserve Pune’s identity as an “IT and Education Hub”.

Citing data for the period between January 1 and May 27, 2026, the Commissioner claimed a notable decline across major crime categories, including chain snatching (56 per cent), robbery (36 per cent), vehicle theft (28 per cent), attempt to murder (27 per cent), housebreaking (14 per cent), vehicle vandalism (over 50 per cent), and murder (10.5 per cent). He added that six out of ten recent murder cases were linked to domestic disputes.

Citing rankings from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the Commissioner highlighted that Pune ranks 18th among 19 major metropolitan cities in India in terms of cognizable offences, making it one of the safest cities in the country. He credited this to the stringent measures taken in the last two years.

“Action taken against over 1,000 criminals across 200 cases is under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Nearly 250 individuals were booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, and 500 criminals externed (tadipor) from city limits. Drugs worth Rs 20 crore were seized in the last two years; an international drug racket worth Rs 3,700 crore was busted in 2024,” he said.

Kumar acknowledged that the perception of rising crime stemmed from five major incidents reported within 10 days in May, but said patrolling was immediately intensified. He also dismissed rumours of a “lockdown” ahead of Bakri Eid, clarifying that restrictions apply only to temporary stalls and roadside vendors after 10 p.m., while licensed establishments remain unaffected.

–IANS

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