Vidyanand Bapat Assault Case: Pune Court Rejects Santosh Chavan’s Bail Plea
Pune, 9th September 2026: A Pune court has rejected the bail application of a 32-year-old man accused of assaulting Vidyanand Bapat, who had publicly raised concerns over noise pollution during Ganeshotsav.
The court observed that releasing the accused at the preliminary stage of the investigation could be detrimental to society and pose a potential threat to law and order.
The accused has been identified as Santosh Shankar Chavan (32), a resident of Hanumannagar, Rautwadi, Kothrud. According to the prosecution, Chavan is a habitual offender and has six serious criminal cases, including rioting, assault and house-breaking, registered against him at Kothrud police station.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Amar Nanaware presented details of the cases and supporting evidence before the court while opposing the bail application.
Court Told Assault Could Affect Law and Order
The prosecution argued that attacking a person for opposing DJ music during Ganeshotsav could create hostility in society and potentially lead to a law-and-order situation.
Nanaware also argued that, in view of the Supreme Court’s judgment in Jagjit Singh v. Ashish Mishra, the complainant’s concerns and safety must be considered before granting bail in such a case.
The prosecution submitted that granting bail without hearing Bapat and considering his security could amount to a violation of the prescribed legal procedure. The court accepted the prosecution’s submissions and rejected Chavan’s bail plea.
Assault Allegedly Took Place on Tilak Road
The case relates to an incident reported on September 3 on Tilak Road in Sadashiv Peth.
According to the complaint filed by Vidyanand Suhas Bapat (37), a resident of Narayan Peth, he was giving an interview to a news channel when the accused allegedly blocked his way.
The complaint states that Chavan allegedly confronted Bapat, asking, “Do you create obstacles during our Ganeshotsav? Do you speak against DJs?” He then allegedly assaulted Bapat.
The Vishrambaug police are investigating the case.
The court’s decision was based on the circumstances presented during the bail hearing, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to the outcome of the ongoing criminal proceedings.
