Bansode expresses his concern over the rising trend of youth committing crime in both urban and rural Pune.
Deputy commissioner of police (crime), Rajesh Bansode, former Mr Pune in his college days, completed his postgraduation in political science from the University of Pune (UoP) before joining the state police force as a deputy superintendent of police in 1998. In this interview with Chaitraly
Deshmukh, Bansode expresses his concern over the rising trend of youth committing crime in both urban and rural Pune.
What are the major trends in crime in rural and urban Pune?
There is a vast difference between crime in rural and urban areas. In rural areas it is mostly dacoity and land-grabbing cases, while in the city, crimes range from rape to property offences.
However, the disturbing trend in urban crime is that educated youth are involved. Especially in rape cases, where both the victim and the suspect know each other and there is consensual sex. Things get sour between the partners and they end up filing cases. This trend is increasing due to the emergence of the
IT sector with more youth coming to Pune.
Why do you think the youth is getting involved in crimes? How do you deal with the youth?
In most cases, it is the easy money and the desire to have a lavish lifestyle that motivates them to commit petty offences like theft and chain-snatching. When it comes to interrogating the youth, we have to deal with them with patience and calmness. We cannot talk to them like criminals. We have to play the role of their parent and get them to confess to the offence.
What steps has the crime branch taken in this regard?
We have formed special cells to decentralise this activity. We have cells like anti-chain snatching cell, anti-extortion cell and other cells to curb this rising trend of crime.
Do you want to make an appeal to the citizens?
Citizens can inform the police about a crime on control room number 100 or access us on our website, www.punepolice.gov.in. They can also participate in initiatives like the ‘Police Mitra’, citizen forums at police chowkies. Apart from that, students can even intern with the Pune police.
What prompted you to join the police force?
The uniform was always an attraction, as I had seen my father wear it. His love and affection for the uniform inspired me to join the police department. This is also a great way to serve society and safeguard them.
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