Pune Police Ban Gatherings, Processions Till Aug 31; Congress Links Move to Rahul Gandhi Event
Pune, 18th August 2026: Pune police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city for 14 days from Tuesday, restricting public gatherings, processions and the display or burning of effigies ahead of upcoming festivals and possible protests.
The order, issued under Sections 37(1), (2) and (3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, will remain in force till August 31. Police said the restrictions were necessary to maintain law and order during Eid-e-Milad, Narali Purnima and Rakshabandhan, as well as in view of possible protests, demonstrations and bandhs by political parties and social organisations.
The move, however, drew a political response from Congress, with party leader Pawan Khera alleging that the order was intended to disrupt the party’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event scheduled for August 22, which is to be addressed by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
“It’s almost comic watching the BJP have one meltdown after another over Rahul Gandhi’s every move. They’ve now slapped an out-of-the-blue curfew on Pune to block the upcoming Chhatron Ki Goonj event — the fourth such attempt,” Khera said in a post on X. He cited similar restrictions in Kota, Dehradun and Prayagraj and said, “Once Rahul Gandhi sets his sights on something, stopping him is next to impossible.”
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr Prashant Amrutkar, prohibits carrying explosives, weapons, stones and sticks, raising loud slogans, and displaying or burning effigies or photographs of leaders. Gatherings of five or more people for meetings or processions, and public meetings without prior police permission, have also been prohibited.
The order further bars circulation of objectionable material and the making and posting of social media reels featuring criminals with the intent of spreading fear or issuing threats.
Government officials on duty and security guards have been exempted from the restriction on carrying lathis of up to 3.5 feet.
Violations will invite action under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
