Special Correspondent
Pune: Pune’s police commissioner, Amitesh Kumar, has issued a strict directive to tackle the growing issue of late-night firecracker celebrations, often linked to birthday parties in public spaces. The decision follows numerous complaints from local residents and legal professionals, who have voiced their concerns about disturbances caused by groups of youths celebrating late into the night, particularly near residential areas.
Residents across Pune have reported an increasing number of public birthday celebrations, with groups of 15 to 25 youths gathering near homes to cut cakes and burst firecrackers, often well past midnight. These activities, which frequently take place on roads and at chowks, create significant noise, disturbing the peace in nearby neighborhoods. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of effective police action, with complaints to the police helpline (112) either going unanswered or leading to minimal intervention, such as simply dispersing the crowd without any further penalties.
A resident explained, “Most of these youths come from nearby slums to our area. If we confront them, they threaten us. Even after filing complaints, no real action is taken.” Another local shared a similar frustration: “I raised an issue with the police about a late-night celebration, and although they dispersed the group, the moment they left, the group returned and caused even more noise. The police don’t seem to enforce proper measures.”
Legal professionals also raised concerns in a formal letter addressed to the police commissioners of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The letter criticized the authorities for neglecting these disturbances, pointing out that while considered a minor offense, such activities have a significant impact on society, leading to noise pollution, loitering, altercations, and even potential criminal activities.
In response to these complaints, police commissioner Amitesh Kumar has ordered increased patrols and a more stringent approach to addressing the issue. Additional Police Inspector S.S. Nikam, responsible for the Sinhagad Road area, confirmed that enhanced patrolling would be implemented, stating, “If we find groups bursting firecrackers late at night and causing a disturbance, strict action will be taken against them.”
With the authorities ramping up efforts to curb this nuisance, local residents hope that these measures will bring a lasting end to the late-night disturbances, allowing them to reclaim the peace and quiet of their neighborhoods.
