Pune is now grappling with a noticeable uptick in open gunfire, armed assaults and incidents involving firearms. The increase in gun-related violence raises questions concerning public safety, law enforcement and the accessibility of illegal firearms in the city. Illegal firearms are becoming more accessible to criminals and gangs, fueling an escalating wave of violence in the city.
In 2024 alone, the Pune Police seized 111 country-made pistols and arrested 155 individuals in connection with firearm-related crimes, which is higher compared to the previous year, when 87 country-made pistols were seized and 137 arrests were made.
In one of the recent incidents, a gang opened fire at the residence of farmer Nilesh Subhash Satav (35) of Vadjai Vasti in Wagholi on December 25. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
Senior Police Inspector Pandit Rejitwad said the gunshot hit the window of Satav’s house. An empty bullet cartridge was recovered from the spot. Satav does not have any previous enmity with anyone. CCTV cameras in the area are not installed, but the perpetrators will soon be identified. A case has been registered at the Wagholi Police Station regarding the matter.
In another incident, gunfire occurred near Kareem Cafe in Kausarbaug in the Kondhwa jurisdiction around 11pm on December 21. The accused were identified as Noman Taimur Ali Pathan, Taha Shaikh Abdullah and his female friend. The argument turned violent when a group of people approached Abdullah and told him not to talk on the roadside. Abdullah fired pistols in the air to intimidate others. The group allegedly vandalised vehicles parked outside the restaurant. A case was registered at the Kondhwa Police Station regarding the matter.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingale said, “We are taking regular action against the culprits. In 2024, we have seized 111 country-made pistols and arrested 155 people so far. Culprits brought country-made pistols from other states such as Barwani and Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh. These are low-quality pistols made with local materials. Due to their low quality, these guns sell in the market for ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. Our search operation is ongoing, and more defaulters will be arrested soon.”
