Video: Vidyanand Bapat Assaulted in Pune Over DJ, Loudspeaker Row; Accused Santosh Chavan Taken Into Custody
Pune, 3rd September 2026: A controversy surrounding noise pollution during Ganeshotsav took a violent turn in Pune on Thursday after Vidyanand Bapat, who has been vocal against the unrestricted use of DJs and loudspeakers at public celebrations, was allegedly assaulted while speaking to the media on Tilak Road.
The incident occurred near Kashale Chowk. Videos of the assault have since circulated widely on social media, triggering outrage and sharp reactions from various sections.
Pune Crime Branch has taken the accused, identified as Santosh Chavan, into custody in connection with the incident.
Accused Identified as Former Ganesh Mandal Office-Bearer
According to available information, Chavan is a resident of Rautwadi in Pune’s Kothrud area and reportedly works for a construction businessman. He is also said to be the former president of the Priyadarshini Ganesh Mandal in Rautwadi.
The alleged assault is believed to have been triggered by Bapat’s repeated opposition to the unrestricted use of DJs and high-volume sound systems during Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Accused Makes Defiant Remarks
After being taken into police custody, Chavan made strong remarks while speaking to the media.
“He constantly criticises us; he deserves to be beaten more. Whoever speaks against Ganeshotsav in Pune city will be slapped in the same manner,” Chavan was heard saying.
In another video that surfaced later, he defended his broader position on the issue, arguing that sound systems should be permitted as long as prescribed noise limits are followed.
He also claimed that thousands of Ganesh mandals and families depend on the economic activity generated during the festival.
“Whenever Ganeshotsav arrives, some people suddenly become environmentalists and start preaching about how the festival should be celebrated,” he said.
What Happened on Tilak Road?
For the past several days, Bapat has been demanding stricter restrictions on the unrestricted use of DJs and loudspeakers during public celebrations, citing concerns over noise pollution.
On Thursday, while discussing the issue with the media on Tilak Road, a man wearing a pink shirt allegedly approached him and questioned his objections.
“Who asked you to object to this?” the man allegedly asked before engaging Bapat in an argument.
According to videos from the scene, the confrontation quickly escalated. The accused allegedly threatened to hit Bapat again before physically assaulting him, causing chaos at the location.
Bapat Calls Attack a Publicity Stunt
Reacting after the incident, Bapat described the assault as an attempt by the attacker to gain publicity.
Speaking to the media after the incident, Bapat said, “A mentally unstable person came here to gain cheap publicity and carried out this act. He simply wanted to come into the limelight.”
The incident has intensified the ongoing debate in Pune surrounding noise pollution, the use of DJs and loudspeakers during Ganeshotsav, and the limits of public protest and disagreement.
Police are continuing their investigation into the assault.
