Ganesh mandal worker slaps anti-noise campaigner in Pune
An anti-noise campaigner in Pune was assaulted by a member of a local Ganesh mandal following a dispute over the use of high-decibel sound systems during the festival. The accused has been arrested, and local political leaders have condemned the violence while calling for traditional celebrations.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between traditional festival practices and urban noise regulations, sparking a broader debate on public conduct and civic rights.
PUNE: Anti-noise campaigner Vidyanand Bapat of Narayan Peth was assaulted on Tilak Road on Thursday allegedly by a member of a Kothrud-based Ganesh mandal, amid a simmering debate over the use of DJs and high-decibel sound systems during Ganeshotsav.The accused, identified as Santosh Chavan, president of Kothrud-based Janjagruti Pratishthan, was taken into custody soon after the incident. The Vishrambaug police later registered an FIR under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 353(2) (statements promoting enmity/hatred) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, strongly condemned the assault, saying every citizen had the right to express views. “Police have arrested the accused. In a city like Pune, such disputes should not turn violent. I have said earlier too that we should return Ganeshotsav celebrations to the traditional way.
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