Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Pune Police Vow Strict Action After Alleged Assault On Activist
Activist Vidyanand Bapat was allegedly attacked while talking to reporters in Pune.
A video showed one man slapping him.
Bapat is known for opposing loud music and DJs at festivals.
Police detained and questioned a suspect.
The police commissioner said assault is not acceptable, even when people disagree.
Police are recording Bapat’s complaint and plan to seek custody of the accused for investigation.
Bapat has been given police protection.
The incident happened during arguments about noise levels at Ganeshotsav.
Activist Vidyanand Bapat was allegedly slapped and assaulted while speaking to the media on Tilak Road in Pune.
A video of the incident reportedly showed one man slapping Bapat while a gang of men attacked him.
Police detained and questioned a suspect, while Commissioner Amitesh Kumar promised strict action.
Bapat’s complaint was being recorded, and police said the accused would be produced before court on Friday.
Police provided Bapat security after the incident; a separate complaint against him had not established an offence warranting a case.
- Who
- Activist Vidyanand Bapat, the detained suspect or suspects, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, and representatives of Ganesh mandals.
- What
- Bapat was allegedly slapped and assaulted while speaking to the media; police promised strict action and provided him security.
- When
- The incident occurred on Thursday; police said the accused would be produced before court on Friday.
- Where
- Tilak Road near Kashale Chowk in Pune.
- Why
- The assault occurred amid heated exchanges linked to Bapat’s campaign against DJs and high-decibel sound systems during Ganeshotsav.
Noise-Control Advocates
Ganesh Mandals And Others
Festival sound levels
Noise-Control Advocates
Bapat has campaigned for a noise-controlled Ganesh festival and opposed DJs and loudspeakers during festivals.
Ganesh Mandals And Others
Bapat’s campaign led to heated exchanges with sections of Ganesh mandals and others, although the articles do not detail their specific arguments.
Handling disagreement
Noise-Control Advocates
Supporters of Bapat’s position can express their views, and police protection was provided after the alleged assault.
Ganesh Mandals And Others
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said people must not cross the boundary of propriety or take the law into their own hands by resorting to assault.
Complaint against Bapat
Noise-Control Advocates
Police said Bapat’s complaint was being recorded and strict action would be taken against the alleged assailant.
Ganesh Mandals And Others
A separate complaint application had been submitted against Bapat, but police said no offence warranting a case had been established against him at that time.
- Activist
- Vidyanand Bapat
- Police commissioner
- Amitesh Kumar
- Incident location
- Tilak Road near Kashale Chowk, Pune
- Suspect status
- A suspect was detained and questioned by police
- Police response
- Bapat’s complaint was being recorded and a case was to be registered based on it
- Court action
- Police said the accused would be produced before court on Friday and that custody would be sought
- Protection
- Police security was provided to Bapat and would continue as required until further orders
- Related dispute
- Bapat has campaigned against DJs and high-decibel sound systems during Ganeshotsav
