Pune: Jain Community to Stage Silent March on 27 October, Hunger Strike on 29 If HND Jain Boarding Sale Continues
Shivajinagar, 26th October 2025: Tensions are escalating in Pune over the proposed sale of the Sheth Hirachand Nemchand Jain Digambar Boarding (HND Jain Boarding) in Model Colony. A silent protest is scheduled to begin on 27 October, followed by a nationwide hunger strike by Jain community members on 29 October if the sale is not canceled.
The controversy erupted after allegations of irregularities in the sale surfaced. Former MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has criticized Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol, accusing him of involvement, while Union Minister Mohol dismissed earlier claims, leading to further exchanges of accusations.
Today, a reflection meeting was held at Jain Boarding under the leadership of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetty and Acharya Shri Gupti Nandiji Maharaj. Shetty stated that the trustees had ignored legal norms in approving the sale, and even the Charity Commissioner had initially approved it illegally. He urged the trustees to cancel the transaction immediately, warning that failure to do so would lead to legal action for financial irregularities.
Shetty also appealed to Pune MP Muralidhar Mohol to intervene if he is truly not connected to the deal and ensure the transaction is canceled before the planned hunger strike.
Acharya Shri Gupti Nandiji highlighted that discussions with central institutions emphasized preventing such irregularities in the future. He confirmed that the community will launch a silent march on 27 October and, if no resolution is reached, a hunger strike on 29 October with participation from Jain devotees nationwide. He stressed that no political agendas should be pursued under the platform of religion. “Minister and MP Mohol have visited the site and assured that they will resolve the issues, but the community remains skeptical. Therefore, a silent march has been organized nationwide tomorrow (27). The march will also pass through villages.”
Both leaders indicated that thousands of community members have written to the Chief Minister and Prime Minister, seeking intervention. Acharya Shri Gupti Nandiji appealed to the Prime Minister, emphasizing the historical and religious significance of the temple and urging the government not to allow the sale.
