NCP-SP protests over crime surge

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) on Wednesday staged an aggressive protest at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya Chowk, alleging a breakdown of law and order in Pune and accusing the BJP-led Maharashtra government of failing to control rising crime in the city.

- Ankit Shukla

City president of NCP-SP Prashant Jagtap told The Free Press Journal (FPJ) that Pune had seen “a surge in daylight murders, shootings, gang wars, armed robberies and violent attacks,” creating an atmosphere of fear. “Citizens are now stepping out of their homes with fear, without the guarantee of returning home safely. The recent brutal murder of a youth in broad daylight on Bajirao Road has further intensified public anger,” Jagtap said.

He added, “Despite the worsening situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who often calls himself the architect of Pune, has been busy campaigning for his party in Bihar. He should resign immediately or devote his full time to maintaining the state’s internal security.”