Pune Court Sentences Mahatma Gandhi Statue Vandal to Jail and Fine for Contempt
Pune, 7th July 2025: A Pune court has sentenced Suraj Anand Shukla, 35, to seven days in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 after he was found guilty of contempt of court during proceedings related to the desecration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue near Pune Railway Station. The verdict was delivered by First Class Judicial Magistrate Dr. G. R. Doranpalle.
Shukla, a native of Varanasi and a resident of Vishrantwadi, Pune, was employed as a laborer in a local IT company. On Sunday night, around 10:30 pm, he allegedly attempted to desecrate the Gandhi statue using a sharp weapon by climbing onto its pedestal. Police officers present at the scene acted swiftly to apprehend him.
During his court appearance on Monday, Shukla made remarks questioning the authority of the court, which were deemed contemptuous. The court responded by immediately sentencing him to a week in jail and levying a fine. The order also stated that after completing his sentence, Shukla should be produced again for further investigation into the statue desecration case.
In court, Shukla admitted his guilt and requested forgiveness, with his defense arguing for leniency and claiming he was of unsound mind. However, the investigating officer, Police Sub-Inspector Ganesh Chavan, testified that there was no evidence or documentation to support claims of mental instability since Shukla’s arrest and court appearance. The court found no grounds to accept the insanity plea and proceeded with the sentence.
