Pune: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the department in 2025, focusing on reducing crime rates, improving response times, and enhancing safety measures.

At the city’s annual crime review conference, he highlighted significant progress in reducing serious crimes while introducing new strategies for tackling emerging challenges.

Concern Over Women’s Safety

Over the past year, Pune has seen a notable reduction in murders (down by 9%), attempted murders (down by 24%), and burglaries (down by 13%) compared to 2023. However, cases of crimes against women have risen.

In response, the Commissioner has prioritized the immediate registration of such cases. The "Bharosa Cell" has extended support to 1,200 women complainants to address issues of abuse and harassment.

Strengthening Public Safety

The police aim to reduce their average response time for emergency calls to 5 minutes from the current 7 minutes. To achieve this, the existing beat marshal system will be overhauled and managed by the Crime Branch.

New measures include the deployment of 39 mobile vans and 125 patrolling motorcycles, with 60 motorcycles specifically designated for responding to emergency calls.

Crackdown on Organized Crime and Illegal Activities

The police will intensify actions under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against chain-snatchers, extortionists, and organized criminal gangs.

Over the past year, 340 gang members have been booked under MCOCA, while 103 offenders have been detained under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act and sent to state prisons.

Mission-Driven Initiatives

• Mission Parivartan: Targeted at reducing juvenile crimes.

• Mission Nirdhar: A campaign to make Pune a drug-free city.

• Cybercrime Prevention: A proposal has been sent to establish an advanced cybercrime lab in Pune, similar to the one in Navi Mumbai. Investigations of cybercrimes involving significant monetary fraud will also be prioritized.