Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Ganeshotsav: ‘This Year Will Look Different’

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 8th September 2026: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said that the use of “plasma speaker” and “pressure-mid” sound systems has been completely banned, while 99 per cent of Ganesh mandals and Dahi Handi organisers complied with the appeal to avoid prohibited sound equipment during celebrations.

Kumar said the police had appealed to Ganesh mandals and Dahi Handi organisers to voluntarily commit to following the prescribed rules. “Ninety-nine per cent of people followed the rules,” he said.

He added that the “four base, four top” sound system configuration was used during the celebrations, with the prescribed decibel limits being enforced. Police took immediate action wherever violations were detected.

116 Ganesh mandals face action

According to Kumar, Pune Police have taken action against 116 mandals for violations during the festival period.

He said the police expect the use of four-base, four-top sound systems during Ganeshotsav to remain within the prescribed decibel limits. “Compared to previous years, this year’s Ganeshotsav will look different,” Kumar said, emphasising the importance of responsible celebrations.

Dahi Handi: Rules to apply to all future festivals

Speaking about Dahi Handi celebrations, Kumar said there was broad agreement among Ganesh mandals, political leaders and citizens on following festival-related regulations.

He said the objective was not to restrict the rules to Ganeshotsav alone but to establish a framework that could be followed during all major festivals in the city.

Crowd management a key focus

On crowd-related concerns and the risk of stampede-like situations during festivals, Kumar said crowd management was a major priority for the police.

“The crowd had increased significantly during the Ganesh festival. We will certainly make efforts in this regard,” he said.

Fake sports certificates under police scanner

Kumar also spoke about allegations involving fake sports certificates being used to secure government jobs.

He said the police had received confidential information and registered a case. The identification of individuals who allegedly secured jobs using fake certificates is currently underway, and action will be taken against those found involved, he said.

72 children brought back into mainstream

On cases involving children in conflict with the law, Kumar said the trend had increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pune Police are undertaking various initiatives to address the issue, he said, adding that the department had succeeded in bringing 72 children back into the mainstream.

Khadki landlord action

On police action against landlords in Khadki, Kumar said landlords are required under the law to provide information about their tenants.
“There are rules and laws, and people have to follow them. Landlords must provide information about their tenants,” he said.