Pune Civic Elections: Crime Branch Visits Office Linked To Ajit Pawar’s Aide Naresh Arora
Pune Civic Elections: Crime Branch Visits Office Linked To Ajit Pawar’s Aide Naresh Arora
Pune, January 14, 2026: A visit by the Pune Crime Branch to the office of Design Box, a firm linked to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, has sparked political speculation just days before polling for the Pune civic elections scheduled on January 15.
Police officials visited the firm’s office to verify information following a complaint. While the move has been described by authorities as a routine information-gathering exercise, the timing of the visit—on the eve of polling—has triggered widespread political discussion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Design Box is owned by Naresh Arora, who serves as a political advisor to Ajit Pawar. According to sources, crime branch officials reviewed certain documents during their visit. However, by the end of the day, there was no clarity on the exact nature or outcome of the exercise.
The firm has reportedly been handling political communication and campaign-related work for Ajit Pawar and the NCP since the Lok Sabha elections. Against this backdrop, the police presence at the office has drawn attention from political circles, with opposition leaders questioning the intent behind the move.
Reacting to the development, NCP MLA Amol Mitkari said he was yet to receive full details about the action. “Such visits are not routine matters. There seems to be a political dimension to this, and the party will respond at an appropriate time,” he said, adding that the issue would be discussed after January 16.
Clarifying the situation, Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar stated that no case has been registered in the matter and no action has been taken against Naresh Arora. He emphasised that the crime branch visit was only to collect information based on a complaint received.
Ajit Pawar also addressed the issue on social media, confirming that officials had visited the office solely to gather information. He said the firm extended full cooperation and that no irregularities were found. Pawar reiterated that the NCP stands firmly with Arora and Design Box.
Later in the night, Arora held a press conference, stating that crime branch officials had inquired about the company’s work profile. “No senior member of the firm was present at the time. Officials asked for certain documents and contact details, but our staff declined to share information without proper identification,” he said.
