Pune: Illegal Advertisement Defacing Shivaji Maharaj’s Image Sparks Outrage in Pune; Case Registered
Viman Nagar, 24th January 2026: A serious incident involving the defacement of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s image on an official Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) board has come to light in the Viman Nagar area, triggering public anger and swift action by civic and police authorities.
According to officials, an illegal commercial advertisement was found pasted over a PMC-authorised board carrying the image of the Maratha king. Following the incident, the Airport Police Station registered a case against unidentified persons under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Public Property Act.
The use of Shivaji Maharaj’s image for advertising purposes led to strong resentment among citizens. The matter was formally raised by the Patit Pavan Sanghatana, which submitted a written complaint to the PMC, warning that any insult or defacement of Shivaji Maharaj’s image would not be tolerated. The organisation had also cautioned that it would launch an agitation if immediate action was not taken against those responsible.
As part of the complaint, the organisation submitted video evidence and details of the advertisement numbers to support its allegations. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the PMC’s Sky Signs Department initiated prompt action and removed the illegal display.
During the course of the inquiry, it also emerged that Durvankur Developers had installed unauthorised advertisement boards at multiple locations in Wagholi to sell plots, without obtaining the required civic permissions. As a result, a case has been registered against the developer, and notices imposing a fine of ₹10,000 per illegal hoarding have been issued.
Issuing a stern warning, Sanjay Pol, Assistant Commissioner of the Nagar Road Regional Office, said, “If stickers are pasted on name boards of national icons or if such boards are defaced in any manner, criminal cases will be registered without prior notice, and penalties will be recovered directly.”
Civic authorities have reiterated that strict enforcement will continue against unauthorised advertisements and any act that disrespects national figures, stressing that such violations will attract immediate legal action.
