A proposal to move the Inspector General (IG) of Police office from Kolhapur to Pune has led to strong political and public reactions. The IG office in Kolhapur currently manages the law and order of Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur Rural, and Pune Rural. Now, officials are thinking about shifting this important office to Pune for administrative ease.
Why Do They Want to Shift the Office?
On December 10, 2024, IG Sunil Phulari wrote a letter to senior police officials. In the letter, he said that since most meetings and administrative work happen in Pune, it would be better to move the IG office there too.
“Law and order authorities from four districts have to come to Kolhapur for important meetings. Since Pune is the central place for citizens of Solapur, Satara, and Pune districts to raise their grievances, it is necessary that the IG office be administratively shifted to Pune.”
He also mentioned that crime rates in Kolhapur have gone down, and the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue is not as serious now. That’s why he believes Pune is a more practical location.
What Officials Say About Pune Being a Better Choice
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Most other administrative and law enforcement offices under the Pune division are already based in Pune. This includes revenue and development departments.
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Having the IG office in Pune would make coordination faster and reduce travel time for officers across multiple departments.
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Modern policing technology and manpower availability are also stronger in Pune, which is a metro city with better connectivity.
Why Are People Opposing It?
Many local leaders and citizens of Kolhapur are not happy with this decision. Congress MLC Satej Patil has strongly opposed it, saying:
“There will be opposition to plans of shifting the office of Special Inspector General of Police (IGP) from Kolhapur to Pune. It is an attempt to subvert Kolhapur’s importance.”
People feel this is not just about an office—it’s about Kolhapur’s historical and regional importance.
A Look at the Past
The IG office in Kolhapur was set up in 1965, during the time of the Maharashtra-Karnataka border conflict. It was placed here for quick response to border tensions and to keep law and order in check. This shows that Kolhapur was chosen for a reason, not by chance.
Also, in March 2022, the state government had asked the Kolhapur District Collector to prepare a report on the advantages and disadvantages of shifting the IG office. That report is still awaited.
Is Pune Better for Administration?
Supporters of the shift argue that many government departments under the Pune division are already operating from Pune. They say Pune is easier to access and is more central for meetings and services.
It was also noted that over 50% of crimes in the region happen in Pune Rural and Solapur Rural. The crime rate in Kolhapur and the other districts is lower.
But critics say that shifting the office is not the only solution. Improving manpower, technology, and communication in Kolhapur could make administration easier without losing the city’s importance.
One question many are asking is:
“ प्रशासनासाठी कोल्हापूरला येणं जास्त कठीण वाटतं का?”
(Translation: “Is Kolhapur so inconvenient for basic administration?”)
This issue is now in the spotlight, and leaders, officials, and citizens are all keeping a close watch. The final decision will need to balance both administrative convenience and regional pride.
