Pune: FIR Filed Against Harshvardhan Sapkal in Pune Over Remarks Comparing Tipu Sultan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 15th February 2026: The Parvati Police Station in Pune has registered an FIR against Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal following a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Pune City President, Dhiraj Ghate. The case was filed late on Saturday night, February 14, 2026, regarding alleged objectionable remarks made by Sapkal comparing Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
According to the FIR (No. 0039/2026), the complainant, Dhiraj Ramchandra Ghate (51), a resident of Sadashiv Peth, stated that he came across a viral video reel on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram on the evening of February 14.
The FIR states that the viral video showed Harshvardhan Sapkal speaking at the office of the Deputy Mayor in Malegaon. When questioned by journalists regarding an image of Tipu Sultan displayed in the office, Sapkal allegedly defended the Mysore ruler.
According to the complainant’s statement in the FIR, Sapkal said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery was in establishing Swarajya… Tipu Sultan fought against the British… Tipu Sultan is a warrior… If Tipu Sultan is to be seen as a symbol of bravery, he should be considered on par (samaksh) with Shivaji Maharaj.”
Dhiraj Ghate claimed in his complaint that this comparison is factually incorrect and offensive. He stated that comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—a deity-like figure for the people—with Tipu Sultan, whom he described as a “cruel” figure historically known for opposing Hindus, has hurt the religious sentiments of the public. Ghate alleged that the statement was made with the intent to create enmity and tension between social groups.
Acting on the complaint, the Parvati Police have booked Harshvardhan Sapkal under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The sections applied include:
- Section 192: Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot.
- Section 196(1) & 196(2): Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
- Section 356(1): Defamation/related offenses.
Senior Police Inspector Rajendra Sahane is investigating the matter. The police have noted the URL of the Facebook post as evidence. No arrests have been reported as of Sunday morning.
