Pune: The city police have acted against 5,500 persons with criminal cases against them ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections scheduled on Jan 15.Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “We took action against persons with criminal backgrounds, such as body offences, bootlegging, gambling, other illegal acts, gang activities, illegal use of firearms among other activities.“
“These persons were externed from Pune city, Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune rural police jurisdictions for various time periods. Some of them were sent to jail, notices were issued to many others and numerous such persons were booked under prohibitory orders,” Kumar said.“Special teams were formed to prevent incidents of direct or indirect pressure on voters and other malpractices. Citizens should immediately inform the police if any wrongdoing was noticed,” Kumar said.Kumar said, “More such actions would be taken if necessary in the near future.” Police said the action was needed to ensure smooth conduct of the municipal elections and assured that the teams will also keep a close watch on candidates with criminal backgrounds.
