Pune: Hostel Cultural Programme Lands in Trouble Over ‘Maoist Song’ Claims
Vishrantwadi, 14th April 2026: A cultural programme at a government hostel in Vishrantwadi has sparked a controversy after a video surfaced showing students performing a dance to the song “O Re Bandook Wale.”
The video drew attention after allegations surfaced that the song purportedly glorifies Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, prompting police and intelligence agencies to take note of the incident. However, preliminary findings suggest that the act was unintentional.
Within hours after the video was circulated on social media platforms, the social welfare department initiated an inquiry. Assistant commissioner Vishal Londhe said, “We conducted a probe and gathered information along with the police. As per preliminary findings, the song was played inadvertently by the students.”
Officials clarified that the event was purely cultural in nature. Students had decided to perform a dance in traditional attire and had selected the song from YouTube based on its music, without being aware of its content. It also emerged that the performance was finalised at the last minute, leaving little scope for scrutiny of the song’s background or meaning.
The hostel premises comprises seven hostels with a total capacity of around 1,000 students. At the time of the event, around 600 to 700 students were present following examinations. Of these, about 85% belong to Scheduled Castes, while the remaining 15% are from other communities. Officials also said that the programme was organised by students without obtaining prior permission from the authorities.
After the controversy, officials convened a meeting with the students to explain the seriousness of the matter. “Students have been counselled to ensure that such incidents, even if unintentional, do not occur again,” Londhe said.
