Nowadays there is no ‘fear policing’ only friendly policing, says Gulabrao Pol

Manoj More: Recently, some goons brandishing swords created a major nuisance in Kothrud area. This was not the first time gangsters have gone berserk under the Pune police commissionerate. Is there no fear of police any more?

Nowadays there is no 'fear policing'. It is friendly policing. There is a change in nature of society and also the police job. In the recent past there have been many incidents wherein youngsters have indulged in wrong acts under the influence of alcohol. In the Kothrud incident, they wanted to create terror in the minds of local residents. There was no previous enmity.

Manoj More: What steps have you thought of to control the problem?

We have started scrutinising criminals having records for the last five years at all police stations. Details of serious crimes and minor crimes are being looked into. We have prepared a Gunda register. Names of youths with repeated involvement in crimes would be included in this register. Historysheets of some of these goons would be opened. Process of their externment would be carried out. We would be checking them even during night hours to control their activities. Pune is a cultural city and an educational hub. We are taking stringent action on criminals. Many criminals were booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Sushant Kulkarni: But rate of conviction under MCOCA is very low. What is the reason?

That is not the case. Conviction rate under MCOCA is good. The overall conviction rate in Pune is better than in other cities. But we all know the reasons why it is still very low. Cases come up very late for hearing.

Manoj More: You said the serial blasts at J M Road were not an act of terror. Do you feel the same now?

... contd.

ALSO READ

Freeze your wedding memories in 3D video

Hate speech: Pune court asks police to book Owaisi

CCTV cameras bought for CYG ‘vanish’

Kalmadi in troubled waters, rivals ready to make a 'splash'