Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on 2 June 2026 issued a detailed 9-page rebuttal to Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule's charge that Pune had become the “capital of criminals,” presenting official statistics to argue that the city’s crime rate has steadily declined. The public confrontation follows a hooch tragedy in Pune that claimed 21 lives, after which Sule held a press conference demanding Commissioner Kumar be placed on forced leave.

What Sparked the Clash

The political storm broke after the illicit liquor deaths prompted Sule to launch a sharp attack on the city’s police administration. She called Pune the “capital of criminals” and demanded the Commissioner’s removal, a charge Kumar categorically disputed through official correspondence rather than a public briefing — an unusual step for a serving police chief.

What the Commissioner’s Data Shows

Citing figures for the period 1 January to 27 May 2026, Kumar claimed significant declines across major crime categories: chain snatching down 56%, robbery down 36%, vehicle theft down 28%, attempt to murder down 27%, housebreaking down 14%, vehicle vandalism down over 50%, and murder down 10.5%. He noted that six out of ten recent murder cases were linked to domestic disputes rather than organised crime.

Kumar also cited National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) rankings, stating Pune stands 18th among 19 major metropolitan cities in cognizable offences — positioning it as one of the safest large cities in the country, according to the bureau’s data.

Enforcement Action Cited

The Commissioner detailed a series of enforcement measures over the past two years: action against over 1,000 criminals across 200 cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA); nearly 250 individuals booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act; and 500 criminals externed from city limits. Drug seizures totalling ₹20 crore were recorded, and an international drug racket worth ₹3,700 crore was busted in 2024.

Kumar’s Warning on ‘Incorrect Statistics’

In the letter, Kumar wrote: “We always welcome constructive criticism. However, circulating incorrect statistics on social media creates an atmosphere of distrust among citizens, which anti-social elements exploit. This defames the city and demoralises the police force.” He appealed for support in preserving Pune’s identity as an IT and Education Hub.

Kumar acknowledged that the perception of rising crime was partly driven by five major incidents reported within 10 days in May, after which patrolling was immediately intensified. He also addressed rumours of a pre-Bakri Eid “lockdown,” clarifying that restrictions apply only to temporary stalls and roadside vendors after 10 pm, while licensed establishments remain unaffected.

What Comes Next

With Sule’s demand for Kumar’s removal still on the table and the hooch tragedy investigation ongoing, the standoff between the NCP (SP) and the Pune police administration is unlikely to subside quickly. Whether the Commissioner’s data-driven response shifts public perception — or deepens the political divide — will depend on how the broader Maharashtra political establishment responds in the coming days.