Pune: Celebration Turns Chaotic as Fire Injures 16 After Jejuri Civic Poll Results
Jejuri, 22nd December 2025: What began as a jubilant celebration of electoral success in Jejuri ended in chaos and panic on Sunday afternoon after a sudden fire broke out near Jejuri Fort, injuring at least 16 people, including newly elected municipal councillors.
The incident took place at the foothills of the fort, close to the steps leading to the Khandoba temple, soon after the results of the Jejuri Municipal Council elections were declared. Supporters of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which swept the polls with a decisive victory, had gathered at the site to mark the win.
According to police officials, the celebrations involved the traditional throwing of Bhandara (holy turmeric powder) along with the bursting of firecrackers. As large clouds of powder were released into the air, sparks from the crackers allegedly ignited the particles, triggering a sudden flash fire that spread within seconds.
“There was no warning. Flames erupted instantly and people had no chance to move away,” said an eyewitness, describing scenes of confusion and panic as the crowd dispersed.
Among those injured were two newly elected women councillors, Swarupa Khomne and Monika Ghadage. All the injured were shifted to nearby government and private hospitals, where they were treated mainly for burn injuries to the face and hands. Police said most of the injuries were not life-threatening, and several victims were discharged after first aid.
The celebrations followed the victory of Jaideep Barbhai, the NCP’s candidate for the post of Municipal Council President, who secured a decisive mandate. Overall, the NCP won 17 of the 20 seats in the council, while the Bharatiya Janata Party secured two seats and an independent candidate claimed one. The result marked a significant political shift in Jejuri, weakening the local influence of former MLA Sanjay Jagtap.
Investigators have raised concerns about the nature of the turmeric powder used during the event. Since pure turmeric is not considered highly flammable, authorities suspect that the Bhandara may have been adulterated with chemical additives or artificial colouring, making it reactive when exposed to sparks or open flames.
“Initial findings point towards possible adulteration of the powder, which could explain the intensity of the fire,” a senior police officer said. Samples of the Bhandara have been seized and sent for analysis as part of a detailed probe by the Pune Rural Police.
The incident has once again brought attention to long-standing complaints by devotees regarding the alleged use of adulterated Bhandara during religious and political events in Jejuri. Opposition leaders, including Baramati MP Supriya Sule, have called for a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible for supplying unsafe material.
Police said they are examining whether the fire was triggered primarily by the chemical composition of the powder or by sparks from firecrackers and ritual lamps used during the celebrations.
