Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar dismissed the "crime capital" narrative surrounding Pune, emphasizing that crime rates in the city have significantly declined over the past year.

Speaking at an event on Wednesday (January 22), Kumar credited the reduction in crime to proactive measures implemented by the police. "We will respond to lawbreakers with equal force," he asserted, underlining the department's commitment to maintaining law and order.

At the event, stolen property worth ₹3.82 crore, including mobile phones, mangalsutras, vehicles, and cash, recovered from 300 solved cases, was handed back to the complainants. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil presided over the ceremony, joined by senior police officials, including Joint Commissioner Ranjankumar Sharma and Additional Commissioner Praveenkumar Patil.

Significant Reduction in Crime Rates

Commissioner Kumar shared data indicating a 20% to 35% drop in murder and attempted murder cases compared to 2023. He also highlighted that over 100 habitual offenders had been prosecuted under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. "Special measures have been implemented to curb street crimes, and we aim to achieve a further decline in crime by December 2025," he added.

Clarification on 'Koyta Gang'

Addressing public concerns, Kumar clarified that there is no gang called 'Koyta Gang' in Pune. He criticized the exaggeration of incidents involving sharp weapons as the handiwork of such a gang, emphasizing that strict action is being taken against offenders.

Efforts to Address Traffic Congestion

Kumar also addressed the issue of Pune's traffic congestion, which ranks fourth globally. He noted that efforts by the police had successfully eased congestion in the Pune University area and that similar measures are being implemented across the city to address the issue.