Muslim Community Leaders Seek Strict Action Following Mob Attack on Youths During Iftar in Pune’s Saswad

Pune, 17th March 2026: Representatives of the Muslim community have formally petitioned the Superintendent of Police (SP), Pune Rural, seeking the registration of serious criminal charges following a “brutal and organized” mob attack on Muslim youths in Askarwadi village near Saswad.

The incident, which occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, reportedly took place while the youths were performing Iftar. According to a formal representation dated March 16, a mob of approximately 200–250 people gathered and attacked the group using stones, iron rods, and koytas (sickles).

Community leaders allege that the attack was not a spontaneous flare-up but a pre-planned act of communal violence. The petition highlights that the coordinated arrival of over 200 people on more than 100 vehicles suggests a “well-hatched conspiracy.”

The document further claims that an environment of hostility had been building in the locality through hate speeches and discriminatory messaging, which local authorities allegedly failed to prevent.

The representation insists that the First Information Report (FIR) must include specific provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
Section 109: Attempt to Murder (due to targeted head injuries and use of deadly weapons).
Section 310 & 190: Dacoity (alleging the mob forcibly snatched victims’ belongings).
Section 61: Criminal Conspiracy.
Sections 196 & 197: Promoting enmity between religious groups and acts prejudicial to national integration.

The community has expressed “serious apprehension” regarding the fairness of the ongoing investigation. Allegations have been made that injured victims were not provided immediate medical assistance and that some suspects were released due to local pressure.

The petition includes a 20-point list of demands for the SP’s intervention, including:
Immediate collection of CCTV footage from surrounding shops and hotels.
Analysis of Call Detail Records (CDR) to uncover the planners of the attack.
Inquiry into discriminatory hoardings in the village that discourage Muslims from offering prayers or developing property.
Departmental action against officers who failed to provide protection.
The appointment of a senior, independent Investigating Officer (IO) to ensure impartiality.
The letter concludes by stating that such organized violence threatens the constitutional principles of secularism and the rule of law. The community leaders have urged the Pune Rural Police to ensure a transparent investigation so that the real perpetrators are brought to justice and communal harmony is restored in Saswad.