Land-related crimes rising rapidly in Pune

Newly-appointed superintendent of police (Pune Rural), Sandeep Karnik (36), hails from Mumbai. A qualified electronics engineer from Mumbai University, he later pursued his double  post-graduation in Marketing and in Public Administration. In 2000, he was selected as area officer in Goa with the Railway Traffic Service and in 2004 was selected in the Indian Police Service (IPS) with his first posting in Ahmednagar. Before being posted to Pune, Karnik has also served in Thane, Nagpur, Jalna and Nanded. Excerpts from an interview with DNA.

What is your perception about crime in rural Pune?
Conventional robberies and dacoities have been happening although there are not many gangs in this area. Most of the criminals with past records are from other states. Many new gang members are coming from other states to Maharashtra or Pune in search of jobs. Secondly, there is a rise in the number of extortion cases and such criminals are active in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) areas, where they seek to take control over labour contracts. We have been approaching companies as part of our investigations and preventive measures. Land-related cheating cases are also rising rapidly in the district.

What do you see as your major challenges?
I believe in transparency and people must know the power of law. I want the common man to have greater faith in the police force. Therefore, I am circulating my mobile number (9922100333) so that people can contact me directly. I have been getting a good response and have also been receiving vital tip-offs from people. Recently, when a rape victim was not coming forward to register the offence, we used the evidence of an MMS clip and registered the offence.

What changes have you brought since joining a month ago?
I believe that if too much power lies with one police officer, it opens an opportunity for corruption. Therefore, I have created new cells for focused attention. The increase in cases of land mafia, oil mafia and extortion in the rural area has prompted me to form additional cells like the anti-extortion cell, economic offences wing, narcotic cell and an anti-terrorism squad. An additional local crime branch cell will deal with heinous crimes and gangs in the rural area. A report made at each and every police station does not remain limited to their jurisdiction but the copies of complaints are circulated to senior police officers, deputy superintendent of police, to the cell and to me. This ensures multiple supervision and will prevent hasty decisions.

What prompted you to join the police department?
I had got a job in the corporate world abroad but it was my father's dream that I join a government job and become an IAS officer. Joining the police department as an IPS officer was my personal choice. I am happy with my choice. My parents were not happy initially but are now proud of me. I am keen to serve the common man through the police department.