Pune: Chaos at Holi Concert in Kharadi, Police Use Force to Control Crowd
Kharadi, 15th March 2025: A massive commotion broke out at singer Ritviz’s Holi concert at Mayfield Eva Garden in Kharadi after an overwhelming crowd surged towards the entrance, forcing police to intervene. The event, attended by a large number of young people, turned chaotic as entry restrictions led to unrest. However, a potential disaster was averted as the police brought the situation under control.
The concert, organized on Friday at Mayfield Eva Garden ground, had attracted a massive crowd from as early as 1:30 PM. Event organizers had deployed security personnel, and police were stationed to manage the gathering. To regulate entry, sheet fences had been set up around the venue, and access was controlled through designated gates.
However, as the crowd swelled, security personnel were forced to shut the entrance, triggering agitation among attendees. A surge of people attempted to force their way in, creating a dangerous situation with the possibility of a stampede. Police were compelled to use force to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Adding to the city’s festive atmosphere, Punjabi singer Honey Singh’s Holi event was also being held simultaneously at Mahalaxmi Lawn in Kharadi. However, Ritviz’s concert saw a much larger crowd at the entrance of Eva Garden, leading to the chaotic scenes.
“The sudden influx of attendees at the entrance led to panic and unrest. Some young men and women attempted to break open the gates, increasing the risk of a stampede. Police had to intervene to prevent any untoward incidents,” said Himmat Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 4.
View this post on Instagram
While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights the challenges of crowd management at large-scale events. Authorities have urged event organizers to ensure better security measures and crowd control in future concerts to prevent such situations.
