Women can carry a weapon with blade less than six inches

I worked in Pune as rural superintendent of police 12 to 14 years ago. What I know about the city as well as policing is that the police force cannot succeed unless the community is involved. That’s why I take help from all sections of society.

Chain snatching, traffic congestion and recently, atrocities against women after the Delhi gang-rape case are the main issues here.

There is a debate on section 100 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which is about the right to private defence. I want to make it clear that women can keep a weapon that has a blade less than six inches long. Women should prepare themselves for self-defence by keeping chilli powder, a small knife or sharp-edged blade.

We are handing over cases of atrocities against women to women police officers. We have 16 per cent women in our force and want to increase it to 30 per cent.

As far as traffic is concerned, around 1,000 new vehicles are added to this city daily. This creates a lot of pollution. Many constables manning traffic at the chowks suffer from asthma. I have submitted a proposal for more masks for them.

Crimes related to land mafia are on the rise. I held a meeting of sportsmen in the police department and told them that as they are fit, they can teach the land gundas lessons through appropriate action.

Overall participation of people from Ganesh mandals, schools, NGOs and other sections of society in our job has maintained law and order and Pune’s reputation of being a peaceful city.