Pune: Former Corporator Vasant More Booked Under Atrocities Act Over Alleged Derogatory Remarks
Pune, 6th March 2026: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been invoked against former Pune corporator Vasant Krishnaji More after a complaint accused him of making derogatory remarks about a man from a Scheduled Caste community during a public interaction.
Police at Shivajinagar Police Station registered the case following a complaint filed by 72-year-old Vishwanath Tukaram Lahade. Officials confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the allegations.
According to the complaint, the alleged incident took place during a press conference addressed by More at the Pune Municipal Corporation on February 25.
Lahade alleged that during the interaction with the media, More made insulting remarks referring to him despite being aware that he belongs to a Scheduled Caste. The complainant stated that More allegedly commented that he had consumed excessive alcohol and was unable to speak properly. Lahade further claimed that More used a remark suggesting he was “cleaning drains after entering a stream.”
The complaint also mentions that a video of the press conference was widely circulated on social media platforms, bringing the alleged comments into public view. Lahade stated that the viral clip led to humiliation and social defamation.
He told police that the incident has caused emotional distress to him and his family, adding that they are currently living under an atmosphere of anxiety and fear following the circulation of the video.
Based on the complaint, police have registered an offence against More under relevant provisions of the Atrocities Act. Officials from Shivajinagar police station said further investigation is ongoing to verify the allegations and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
