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By:

Rajendra Pandharpure

15 April 2025 at 2:25:54 pm

Policing a Restless City

The Pune police’s crackdown on nightlife and assemblies exposes the uneasy nexus between crime, politics and public security AI generated image Pune: Pune likes to think of itself as Maharashtra’s cultured capital, a city of students, software engineers and retirees. But in the past decade or so, that reputation has taken a beating with the city increasingly turning into a netherworld where criminal gangs operate with growing audacity and where citizens are no longer certain that the state...

Policing a Restless City

The Pune police’s crackdown on nightlife and assemblies exposes the uneasy nexus between crime, politics and public security AI generated image Pune: Pune likes to think of itself as Maharashtra’s cultured capital, a city of students, software engineers and retirees. But in the past decade or so, that reputation has taken a beating with the city increasingly turning into a netherworld where criminal gangs operate with growing audacity and where citizens are no longer certain that the state can guarantee their safety. Faced with mounting public anxiety over deteriorating law and order, the Pune Police have recently imposed two stringent restrictions. Night-time checkpoints now dot the city's roads after 10 p.m. while food stalls, carts and riverside eateries are being ordered to shut early. Simultaneously, authorities have enforced a 14-day prohibition on public assemblies, effective from May 26. The measures have triggered an intense political debate. Crime Wave The immediate backdrop is an unmistakable rise in criminal activity. Across several neighbourhoods, local strongmen known as ‘Bhais’ and ‘Dadas’ continue to wield influence. Their reach extends beyond mere street-level intimidation. Many residents believe these figures enjoy varying degrees of patronage from political parties, creating a perception that law enforcement is either reluctant or unable to act decisively against them. Such perceptions erode public confidence in the police and strengthen the atmosphere of fear. Particularly troubling has been the escalation of gang rivalries. Violent confrontations involving koytas have become alarmingly common. What was once an occasional occurrence has evolved into a recurring feature of the city’s urban life. Attacks now take place in crowded public spaces and during daylight hours, signalling a brazen disregard for authority. The phenomenon has spread to Kothrud, regarded as one of Pune’s quieter and more settled suburbs. The area has found itself drawn into the orbit of gang violence, most notably through the turbulent history of the Andekar gang. The murder of Vanraj Andekar, a former corporator associated with the Nationalist Congress Party, marked a dramatic turning point. Investigators subsequently found that members of his own extended family were allegedly involved in the crime. Retaliatory killings followed as violence spilled onto major roads and public gatherings, while one accused gangster reportedly fled abroad. The rise of the so-called ‘Koyta Gang’ has become emblematic of this trend. To outsiders, the preference for machetes over firearms may appear puzzling. Yet law-enforcement officials argue that such weapons are often used to ensure a killing is completed. Their symbolism is equally important: the koyta serves not merely as a weapon but as an instrument of intimidation, projecting fear in neighbourhoods where gangs seek to establish dominance. Public Nuisance At the same time, the city’s authorities are grappling with a different, though related, challenge. Pune’s burgeoning night-time food culture has transformed several streets and riverside stretches into lively social spaces. But these gathering spots have also generated complaints about drunkenness, disorderly conduct and public nuisance. Residents have increasingly demanded intervention. The police response therefore reflects not only concerns about crime but also an attempt to restore civic order. Whether these measures prove effective remains uncertain. Restricting late-night activity may reduce opportunities for disorder, but it also affects legitimate businesses and social life.

Imran Khan’s Fall from Grace

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Imran Khan’s Fall from Grace

Imran Khan, once hailed as Pakistan’s most charismatic and resilient leader now finds himself in a position unprecedented for a man of his stature.

The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, once known for his unyielding spirit and fierce determination, now shows signs of strain. Imprisoned and facing numerous charges, Khan appears to be a shadow of the leader who once inspired millions.

Khan’s recent meeting with journalists revealed a man who is a shell of his former self. Once confident and commanding, his body now shows a sense of unease and agitation. Those who met him describe a waning spirit, a stark change for a leader once known for his steadfastness in adversity.

The journalists described Khan as a man who is aware that his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is losing its once-iron grip on the nation’s imagination―a realisation that visibly shook him.

The PTI, once a magnet for massive crowds and inspired loyalty among its supporters, is now struggling. The much-hyped rally scheduled for August 22 in Islamabad, was embarrassingly cancelled due to a lack of public interest. Khan, in a bid to save face, claimed that the rally was called off to avoid potential violence. In a sign of growing desperation, Khan rescheduled the rally for September 8 and directed his party leaders to overcome any obstacles. This defiant stance is typical of Khan’s confrontational style, and his public directives highlight his insecurity about his party’s ability to mobilise support.

While Khan outwardly appears calm and composed, the multiple cases against him and his time in jail have left him isolated and struggling with loneliness. Even in this difficult situation, he remains in the headlines, thanks to his uncanny ability to stay in the public’s eye. Khan recently made headlines by applying for the University of Oxford Chancellorship, a move initially dismissed as a rumor but confirmed by his spokesman, Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari. As an Oxford alumnus, Khan would be the first Asian to take the role. Many see this bid as a strategic play to leverage his international profile against Pakistan’s establishment, a move that has kept him prominently in the media spotlight.

The political landscape in Pakistan is deeply divided. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in his second term, has failed to address critical issues including unemployment, soaring inflation, and deteriorating law and order. His administration’s inability to deliver on its promises has only deepened the public’s disillusionment, leading to growing nostalgia for Khan’s past leadership.

Shahbaz Sharif’s government is a source of frustration for the Pakistani people and a cause for concern for the country’s military. Historically, the military has shaped Pakistan’s political trajectory, stepping in when civilian governments falter. The military reportedly is growing uneasy about the government’s performance especially Sharif’s inability to stabilize the country and mend relationships with key neighbors, particularly India. Additionally, its deteriorating ties with Afghanistan and Iran have left Pakistan increasingly isolated. Even China, Pakistan’s longstanding ally, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, a worrying sign given the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to the country’s economic future.

It is within this context of political turmoil and international isolation that Imran Khan remains a potent force. Despite his legal troubles and the challenges facing his party, Khan’s popularity endures. For millions of Pakistanis, his tenure as Prime Minister is seen as a time of relative stability and hope, a stark contrast to the current administration’s ineptitude. This perception has kept Khan’s political base intact, even as his party faces an uphill battle in the coming months.

However, Khan’s ability to navigate the current political landscape is far from guaranteed. The PTI’s diminishing support, coupled with the increasing pressure from the establishment, raises questions about Khan’s long-term strategy. His recent moves, including the application for the Oxford Chancellorship, suggest a leader willing to explore unconventional avenues to maintain his relevance. But whether these tactics will translate into a successful political comeback remains to be seen.

Pakistan’s political future is more uncertain than ever. Imran Khan’s journey from cricketing legend to political maverick has been extraordinary. Still, as he faces the toughest challenge of his career, the question remains: Can he once again defy the odds and reclaim his place at the helm of Pakistani politics, or is this the beginning of the end for a once unstoppable leader?

Khan’s story is a testament to the complexities of power and the unpredictable nature of political life in Pakistan. His rise, driven by charisma, populism, and a genuine desire for change, now faces the realities of personal and political challenges, raising the possibility that his time may be running out.

Imran Khan is a beacon of hope for his supporters, and a polarizing figure for detractors, whose ambitions have often clouded his judgment. As the nation watches, the world is left to wonder: What will Imran Khan’s next move be? And more importantly, what does it mean for the future of Pakistan? The coming months will be critical not only for Imran Khan but for Pakistan as a whole. The decisions made during this period will shape the country’s trajectory for years. Whether Khan emerges victorious or is consigned to the annals of history as a fallen leader, one thing is certain: The story of Imran Khan is far from over.

(The writer is a senior jounalist based in Islamabad. Views personal)

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