Pune, 23rd October 2026: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has called on citizens, educational institutions and social organisations to work with the police to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking. He said police action alone would not be enough to address the problem and urged the public to actively support the goal of a drug-free India.
The national anti-drug awareness bike rally, organised by the Union Home Ministry to mark National Unity Day and the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, arrived in Pune on October 21. The Pune Police welcomed the participants and felicitated 76 riders at the auditorium of Sir Parashurambhau College.
The riders represented Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of public participation in efforts to tackle drug abuse.
Police Joint Commissioner Sanjay Darade, Deputy Inspector General of Police Vijaykumar Magar, who is the Maharashtra coordinator for the rally, and other police officials and education representatives attended the event.
The rally aims to free the country and its youth from drug abuse and spread awareness about its harmful effects. It will travel through Pimpri-Chinchwad before proceeding towards Mumbai on October 23.
The programme was coordinated by officers from the Pune Police Anti-Narcotics Squad, including Police Inspectors Trupti Sonawane and Jeevan Mane, along with their team.