By Swastika Sahu
In a special three-week crackdown on illegal weapons, Pimpri Chinchwad Police seized 50 firearms, 79 live rounds and 116 sharp weapons, arresting 111 people for possession and misuse, including those flaunting arms in social media reels.
Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey said many of those arrested were already known criminals with a history of serious offences. “This action has definitely made a difference. We managed to prevent possible crimes and keep the city safer,” he said.
The special crackdown, carried out between August 13 and September 2, targeted people carrying illegal firearms and sharp weapons. It was a joint effort of the crime branch and local police stations. According to Choubey, the crime branch seized 28 illegal firearms, while police station teams recovered another 22 during the drive.
One of the key arrests was made by Crime Branch Unit 4, which nabbed 24-year-old Pawan Devendra Baneti from Pimple Gurav’s Rajiv Gandhi Slum. Baneti, a repeat offender who had recently been released, was found with two pistols and two live cartridges. Police also recovered firearms and ammunition from several known criminals, including 23-year-old Ganesh Kamble, popularly known as “Mad Ganya” from Pimpri. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey and Joint Commissioner Dr. Shashikant Sarkar, and Additional Commissioner Sarang Awad.
With the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections drawing closer, the city’s political atmosphere is getting increasingly charged. After being out of power for over four years, local politicians are eager to regain their footing and prove their relevance. With the new ward structure already announced, leaders are expected to pull out all the stops in their bid to secure dominance.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have noted a surge in violent crimes across the city, including cases of murder and attempted murder, as self-styled gangsters begin resurfacing. Businessmen are being pressured to pay ‘hafta,’ extortion rackets are on the rise, and overall crime rates are climbing. Authorities believe the spike may be linked to the upcoming municipal elections.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have raised concerns over a spike in violent crimes across the city, including murders and attempted murders, as self-styled gangsters begin resurfacing. Businessmen are increasingly being pressured for ‘hafta’ (protection money), with extortion cases on the rise alongside overall crime. Police believe this surge may be linked to the approaching elections.