Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Ganesh Mandal Fined Rs 1,000 Over Banned Laser Lights
Police said a Ganesh mandal used powerful laser lights during an immersion procession.
The lights had been banned because they can hurt people’s eyes and may create risks for aircraft.
The procession happened in Pimple Gurav on September 4, 2025.
Police told the mandal president to stop using the lights, but they continued until late at night.
Police then filed a case against president Gopi Lokhande.
Lokhande admitted that he had broken the rule in court.
The court gave him a choice of two days in jail or paying Rs 1,000.
He paid the fine, and police said the punishment was completed.
Eye specialists and citizens have previously raised concerns about serious vision problems from such lasers.
Bhairavnath Mitra Mandal continued using harmful laser lights during its September 4, 2025, immersion procession.
Sangvi police said mandal president Gopi Lokhande had been told the lights were prohibited under BNSS Section 163.
Police filed an FIR and chargesheet against Lokhande, who later pleaded guilty in court.
A Pimpri court convicted Lokhande and imposed either two days’ imprisonment or a Rs 1,000 fine.
The case has renewed concerns about laser-related eye injuries and risks to aircraft near Pune International Airport.
- Who
- Bhairavnath Mitra Mandal president Gopi Lokhande was prosecuted by Sangvi police.
- What
- The mandal was found using prohibited high-intensity laser lights during a Ganesh immersion procession, and Lokhande was convicted after pleading guilty.
- When
- The procession occurred on September 4, 2025; the court issued its order on November 19, 2025.
- Where
- The procession took place in Pimple Gurav, within the Pimpri-Chinchwad police jurisdiction.
- Why
- The lights were prohibited because they can harm eyesight and may create risks for aircraft during takeoff and landing.
Public Safety and Strict Enforcement
Judicial Leniency After Guilty Plea
Severity of the punishment
Public Safety and Strict Enforcement
Citizens, police and an ophthalmologist have highlighted potential eye injuries and other safety risks from high-intensity laser beams, supporting stronger enforcement.
Judicial Leniency After Guilty Plea
The court took a lenient view because Lokhande voluntarily pleaded guilty and said he regretted his actions, allowing him to complete the punishment by paying Rs 1,000.
Use of laser lights despite the ban
Public Safety and Strict Enforcement
Police said the mandal president was told to stop, but the laser lights continued throughout the immersion procession.
Judicial Leniency After Guilty Plea
The court treated the guilty plea and stated remorse as reasons for imposing the minor alternative punishment provided in its order.
- Accused
- Gopi Lokhande, president of Bhairavnath Mitra Mandal
- Incident date
- September 4, 2025
- Procession time
- 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
- Police station
- Sangvi police station
- Court order date
- November 19, 2025
- Punishment
- Two days’ imprisonment or a Rs 1,000 fine
- Relevant provisions
- BNSS Section 163 and BNS Section 223