2,573 Face Preventive Action Ahead of Ganeshotsav in PCMC
– 58 habitual offenders externed, two booked under MPDA and sent to jail
PIMPRI : With the Ganeshotsav festival approaching, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have launched a major crackdown on habitual offenders and persons with criminal tendencies to maintain law and order across the city. As part of a special drive conducted from August 22 to September 10, 2026, preventive action was taken against 2,573 persons.
In addition, 58 habitual offenders were externed from the city, while two habitual offenders were detained under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act and sent to jail.
The special campaign was carried out across all four police divisions of Pimpri-Chinchwad, with a focus on suspected and criminally inclined persons who could potentially disrupt the peaceful conduct of Ganeshotsav.
Highest action in Division 4
Of the 2,573 persons booked under preventive action, 362 were from Division 1, 247 from Division 2, 572 from Division 3 and 1,392 from Division 4. Division 4 recorded the highest number of preventive actions, indicating increased police attention on criminal elements in the area.
58 habitual offenders externed
Police took stringent action against offenders considered capable of creating fear or disrupting public order during the festival. Under Section 56 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 50 persons were externed, while another eight were externed under Section 55, taking the total to 58.
These offenders will have to remain outside the city during the festival period. Two habitual offenders were also detained under the MPDA Act and sent to prison.
Bonds and notices issued
Police also initiated preventive proceedings under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). A total of 414 persons were required to execute bonds for maintaining peace under Section 126, while action was taken against 32 persons under Section 128 and 220 persons under Section 129.
Besides, 1,800 persons were served notices under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Action under the Prohibition Act was also taken against 35 persons allegedly involved in illegal liquor activities.
Social media under police watch
The police have also intensified monitoring of social media platforms during Ganeshotsav. Authorities are keeping a close watch on attempts to spread rumours, circulate objectionable content or create communal tension through social media.
Police have appealed to social media group administrators to closely monitor content shared in their groups and prevent the circulation of provocative or objectionable messages.
Police Commissioner appeals for peaceful celebrations
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey appealed to citizens to celebrate Ganeshotsav with enthusiasm while maintaining law and order.
“Celebrate Ganeshotsav with enthusiasm, but do not take the law into your own hands. Intimidation, hooliganism or any kind of wrongdoing will not be tolerated. If you notice any suspicious activity or provocative message, do not believe or circulate it. Immediately contact the police or call 112,” he said.
