IT hubs under police cover

Information technology parks and offices top Pune police's protection list as city celebrates Republic Day.

IT hubs in and around Pune was top on protection list as police beefed up security on the eve of Republic Day celebrations.

According to Commissioner of Police, Dr Satya Pal Singh, there has been heavy deployment of police personnel in an around IT hubs.

Security measures assume significance in light of the fact that several militants picked up by the ATS and the crime branch in the past few months were linked to the IT hubs.

Surveillance has also been strengthened around few tainted colleges, Dr Singh added.

Intelligence reports indicate that Pune has been on the hit list of several militant organisations since 2006. More so, after the Bangalore serial blasts.

Presence of large number of foreign nationals and students in the city add to the woes of the local police.
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Underworld menace came to the fore after the city witnessed boom in the real estate market in the past few years.

Police have identified more than 40 gangs active in and around Pune. Majority of them want to corner a lion's share from the city's booming real estate.

Prominent among the gangs are Arun Gawli faction that have a strong base in Maval taluka. They are also very active near Wadgoan Pin, located on the outskirts of Pune.

Members of the rival Chhota Rajan and Ravi Pujari gangs are also active in the city. These starling facts came to light after six members of the Pujari gang were nabbed on April 11 last year.

Insiders inform that the Pune police plan to form special squads to deal with underworld menace. Most encounter specialists will be armed with a Glock as duty pistol.

Patrolling along the highway has been intensified. Police have been equipped with GPS and a wide range other electronic gadgets to keep a tab on the suspects.