Since poll announcement, authorities in Pune have seized illegal liquor worth Rs 1.23 crore, narcotics worth Rs 26 lakh, and cash amounting to Rs 67 lakh
Pune Police take out march ahead of civic polls. PIC/ARCHANA DAHIWAL
With campaigning for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections reaching its peak, instances of illegal inducements to influence voters have come to light, prompting authorities to step up security and enforcement across the city. From the distribution of silver anklets to women voters to the stockpiling of illicit liquor and cash, officials say such practices threaten the integrity of the civic polls.
In response, Pune Police have placed the city on high alert and deployed nearly 12,500 personnel to ensure the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and fearless manner. To maintain law and order, the Pune Police Commissionerate has implemented a detailed security plan, dividing the city into 143 sectors while identifying over 100 sensitive and hypersensitive locations.
These areas will remain under close watch by the Crime Branch, supported by a large deployment of cops, including 14 deputy commissioners of police, 30 assistant commissioners, 166 police inspectors and four companies of the State Reserve Police Force. Technical surveillance has also been intensified, with static and mobile video surveillance teams operating round-the-clock.
Liquor, cash seized
Police officials said that since the election announcement, authorities have seized illegal liquor valued at Rs 1.23 crore, narcotic substances worth Rs 26 lakh and cash amounting to Rs 67 lakh. Additionally, over 3200 licensed weapons have been deposited, while preventive action has been taken against more than 3400 individuals with a criminal background.
In some parts of Pune, incidents involving the alleged distribution of silver anklets to women voters have come to light, while police have seized over Rs 2 lakh in cash linked to such cases. The administration has appealed to voters not to fall prey to rumours or inducements and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Security enhanced for PCMC polls
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has also intensified security and preventive measures to ensure peaceful polling. Since the Model Code of Conduct came into force, police have carried out extensive action against illegal activities, including seizures of unlawful weapons, illicit liquor and narcotic substances.
A strong police deployment, including senior officers, riot control units and special teams, has been put in place, with route marches and area domination exercises underway to maintain law and order during the election process.
On January 9, Pune Excise’s ‘G’ Division seized 112.32 bulk litres of foreign liquor illegally transported from Daman near Pavaneshwar Temple in Pimpri, along with a four-wheeler used in the offence. The total value of the seized material was estimated at Rs 7.20 lakh. The action was carried out under the guidance of Excise Superintendent Atul Kanade, and a case has been registered against unknown persons based on a complaint filed by an excise constable.
Authorities have asserted that stringent action against illegal liquor, cash distribution and any attempts to disturb law and order will continue till the completion of polling. Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious activity to the concerned agencies to ensure that the civic elections are held in a peaceful, transparent and democratic environment.
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