As Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections approach this Thursday, Pune City and Pimpri Chinchwad police have mobilized a robust security force totaling nearly 21,000 personnel. This includes police officers, constables, home guards, and units from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF).
Both PMC and PCMC are among the key civic bodies in Maharashtra heading to the polls on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. Initial deployment plans submitted by the three police jurisdictions received final approval from a committee comprising electoral officials, district administration, and senior police officers.
The Pune City Police deployment features 14 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), 37 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) including 7 probationary ACPs, 166 Police Inspectors, 723 Assistant Inspectors and Sub Inspectors, 12,500 constables, 3,250 Home Guards, and four SRPF companies totaling 400 personnel. The city has been divided into 88 sectors with 100 sensitive locations identified. Overall, Pune City Police will deploy around 17,090 officers and staff.
Pimpri Chinchwad Police’s contingent includes 1 Joint Commissioner of Police, 2 Additional Commissioners, 8 DCPs, 18 ACPs, 50 Police Inspectors, 241 Assistant Inspectors and Sub Inspectors, 3,750 constables, alongside two SRPF companies and two platoons totaling 260 personnel. The jurisdiction has 10 sensitive locations marked. Total deployment here stands at approximately 4,330 personnel.In the lead-up to the elections, both police forces have taken preventive measures including crackdowns on illegal liquor and narcotics trade. During the Model Code of Conduct period,
Pune police seized Rs 67 lakh in cash, while Pimpri Chinchwad police recovered Rs 16 lakh. Route marches were conducted in sensitive areas, and multiple history-sheeters faced preventive action.Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey stated, “Police and election machinery are fully prepared for the peaceful conduct of the elections. Strictest possible action will be taken against those interfering with the electoral process.”
