A dispute has arisen in Pune between political figures and the police regarding the city’s crime status. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule labeled Pune the “capital of criminals” and demanded Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar’s forced leave. In response, Kumar issued a detailed 9-page letter refuting Sule’s claims with official statistics showing a consistent decrease in the city’s crime rate.
The controversy unfolded following a tragic incident involving illicit liquor that resulted in 21 fatalities in Pune. Subsequently, MP Supriya Sule criticized the police administration during a press conference. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, addressing the accusations, emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and cautioned against circulating inaccurate data on social media, which could breed mistrust and benefit anti-social elements.
Kumar urged the public to guide and support the police force to maintain Pune’s reputation as an “IT and Education Hub.” He cited data from January 1 to May 27, 2026, indicating significant reductions in various crime categories, such as chain snatching (56%), robbery (36%), and murder (10.5%). The Commissioner also pointed out that Pune ranks 18th out of 19 major metropolitan cities in India for cognizable offenses, attributing this to stringent measures implemented in the past two years.
Referring to actions taken against criminals, Kumar mentioned over 1,000 individuals facing charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Additionally, he highlighted the seizure of drugs worth Rs 20 crore and the dismantling of an international drug network valued at Rs 3,700 crore in 2024. Kumar acknowledged a spike in crime perception due to five major incidents within ten days in May but assured intensified patrolling to address the situation. He also clarified that any restrictions around Bakri Eid only apply to temporary stalls and roadside vendors after 10 p.m., with licensed establishments unaffected.
