Pune Gangland: Police Crack Down on ‘Koyta’ Gangs After Spate of Attacks in Pune

By India Crime Correspondent

PUNE, 11 January, 2023

• Miscreants Wielding Machetes Instill Fear, Prompt Law Enforcement Action
• Rising Menace of ‘Koyta’ Gangs
• Pune Gripped by Spree of Violent Incidents Involving Machetes
• Multiple Attacks Unleashed by Criminal Groups Instigates Police Action

The city of Pune has been plagued by a series of alarming incidents involving criminal gangs employing machetes, colloquially referred to as ‘Koytas’.

These violent episodes have left the local populace terrified and have prompted a robust response from the Pune police, who have initiated a thorough combing operation and a crackdown on the illegal sale of these dangerous weapons.

Police Intensify Action Against ‘Koyta’ Gangs Amidst Concerns

The Pune Crime Branch has intensified its efforts to curtail the growing threat posed by these miscreant groups, widely known as ‘Koyta’ gangs.

Despite the apprehension of several suspects by local police stations and the Crime Branch, the gangs continue to unleash havoc within the city, creating an atmosphere of fear and unease among residents.

Janwadi Area and Tapkir Galli Mobile Market Witness Disturbing Incidents

The severity of the situation was underscored by two consecutive incidents that unfolded in rapid succession.

The Janwadi area and the Tapkir Galli mobile market bore witness to the audacious acts of these gangs, as they brandished machetes and swords, targeting vehicles, shops, and individuals.

Police Form Teams to Apprehend Suspects Amidst Rising Tensions

In response to the incidents, the Chatushrungi police station swiftly organized teams to track down the suspects. In the Janwadi case, a pre-dawn assault led to the destruction of numerous vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Tapkir Galli mobile market incident, which occurred in the evening, involved vandals wielding ‘Koytas’ and sticks, leading to the arrest of one person and the detention of two minors by the Faraskhana police.

Proactive Measures by Crime Branch

Taking a proactive stance, the Pune Crime Branch launched a sweeping citywide combing operation commencing at 9 pm on Monday, which extended into the early hours of Tuesday.

A coordinated effort involving multiple police teams resulted in the on-site examination of 3,765 individuals with criminal records.

This intensive operation yielded significant outcomes as 145 machetes and three swords were confiscated from individuals with prior criminal history.

Infiltrating Machete Sales Network to Ensure Security

As part of their relentless efforts, the Crime Branch received information indicating illicit sales of machetes from a hardware shop situated in the Bohri li area.

Acting swiftly, a team executed a raid on the shop, resulting in the seizure of 105 machetes. The owner of the shop, Hussain Khojema Rajgara (32), was taken into custody in connection with these illegal sales.

Concerns Highlighted by Opposition Leader Spark Conversations

The surge in ‘Koyta’ gang activities within Pune has sparked concern and discussions.

Opposition leader Ajit Pawar expressed his apprehensions during an Assembly session, emphasizing the disturbing pattern of these gangs engaging in robbery, vandalizing property, and spreading terror among the population.

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