Pune, 8th August 2025: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has stressed that with Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad expanding rapidly, the responsibility on the police force has increased significantly. Speaking on recent incidents and law enforcement challenges, he said the priority must be public safety, regardless of a person’s background.
Ajit Pawar expressed concern over how quickly the media, especially social media and electronic platforms, jumps to conclusions. He noted that without having full details, people often target and defame the police, government, and ruling authorities. Referring to the Kondhwa incident, he said it is unfair to draw conclusions before thorough investigations.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe. Everyone has the right to live," Pawar said, adding that police are continuously trying to prevent untoward incidents.
He spoke about the allocation of ₹22,000 crore by the government, out of which 5% has been reserved for the police department. He also pointed out that during VIP movements, be it of ministers or the Chief Minister, only their vehicles should go ahead while police escort vehicles should follow, maintaining law and order.
Pawar mentioned that the state’s guardian ministers and the CM take swift decisions when needed. In the last two years, ₹40 crore has been granted through the Pune District Planning Committee (DPC) for police development, and more will be provided. He also praised the Chandan Nagar Police Station for constructing a building that sets an example for others.
Highlighting a personal anecdote, Pawar spoke about a missing girl who was found and returned home. He also made a comment about population growth after noticing the family had multiple daughters, saying this needs to be addressed cautiously.
Regarding the shifting of the Bund Garden Police Station to the Pune Collector Office premises, Pawar stated that it has now gone to Iqbal Chahal. He recalled that he was informed of this by Rashmi Shukla and asked officials not to make him repeat such updates.
He urged the police to focus on meaningful public work and emphasized the need to address the issue of juvenile crime. Referring to the increasing cases of "Koyta gangs" and vehicle vandalism by youth aged 14 and above, he called for serious introspection. Pawar encouraged police officers to consider legal reforms and act against such criminal tendencies.
He concluded by appealing for better coordination between Ganesh mandals and the Pune police during the festival season. “There must be strong cooperation and communication between festival organizers and the administration,” he said.