Pune MPSC Protest Turns Tense As Students Move Towards Riverbed, Senior Police Officials Rush To Spot
Pune, 7th October 2026: Tension escalated at the ongoing Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) students’ protest in Pune on Wednesday after a group of protesters began moving towards the riverbed, prompting the deployment of several senior police officials at the protest site.
The development came as the Bombay High Court heard a petition seeking an end to protests being held on roads and public spaces in Pune. According to protesters, the court has adjourned the matter to November 25.
Despite the court proceedings, the protesting students refused to leave the area and maintained that they would continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
Senior police officers deployed
Police received information that protesters were planning to move outside the designated protest area. As the situation became tense, the Additional Commissioner of Police, DCP Zone 1, DCP Crime Branch and DCP Special Branch reached the spot.
A senior police officer said the agitation was being held without permission and warned that protesters could face detention if they violated police directions.
“Police have information that the protesters are planning to step outside the protest area. As this protest is being held without permission, senior police officers may detain them today if they do not follow the law and rules,” the officer said.
The movement of protesters towards the riverbed further increased tension at the location, with police closely monitoring the situation.
Protesters refuse to leave
Following the High Court proceedings, protest leader and MLA Rohit Pawar said that the students would continue their agitation until the next hearing.
“The court has rescheduled its hearing for November 25. We will be here till then. This is a students’ protest and we will stay until we get justice,” Pawar said.
Pawar also challenged the Pune Police over possible action against the students.
“I dare the Pune Police to go ahead and touch the students’ hair at least, then see what we do,” he said.
Police had issued notices to students
The latest escalation comes a day after Pune Police issued notices to 51 students and 29 coaching-class and study-room operators in connection with the ongoing MPSC agitation.
Police have maintained that the protest is unauthorised, stating that permission for the October 2 satyagraha at SM Joshi Bridge was granted only for that day. However, the agitation continued at multiple locations after the permission period ended.
Police have warned that further legal action could follow if the protests continue without the required permission.
High Court plea seeks designated protest site
The Bombay High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Pune residents seeking an end to protests being held on roads and public spaces.
The petition seeks a designated location for protests in Pune and alleges that demonstrations at public locations are causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to citizens.
The petition has referred to protests at locations including SM Joshi Bridge, Alka Talkies Chowk and Lal Bahadur Shastri Road.
With the next hearing scheduled for November 25, the situation at the MPSC protest site remains tense. Students have refused to vacate the area, while senior police officials continue to monitor the situation and warn of action if protesters move beyond the designated area.
