Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad Cops Crack Down On DJs; 50 Ganesh Mandals Booked, Equipment Seized In 40 Cases Till Wednesday

Pimpri Chinchwad, 24th September 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad police have stepped up action against Ganesh mandals violating noise pollution norms during the ongoing Ganeshotsav, with cases registered against 50 mandals till September 23.

DJ equipment has been seized in 40 of the 50 cases, signalling that police action is not limited to merely registering cases against mandals.

Ahead of the festival, police had held joint and police station-level meetings with Ganesh mandal office-bearers, urging them to avoid DJs and laser lights and ensure that celebrations did not inconvenience residents. Deputy commissioners of police also briefed mandal representatives about the rules.

Despite repeated warnings, several mandals continued using DJs. Police had started action against noise violations during Dahi Handi, when cases were registered against 23 mandals in Wakad. Similar action was later taken against mandals in Sangvi, Shirgaon and Talegaon Dabhade.

Wakad police station recorded the highest number of cases, with 23 mandals booked. The action includes several local mandals, including Ashtavinayak Mitra Mandal, Navnath Mitra Mandal, Om Sai Pratishthan, Janata Yuva Pratishthan, Akhil Mhatoba Mitra Mandal and Mangalnagarcha Raja Mitra Mandal.

In a significant move, Wakad police also booked a Ganesh mandal operating from the Kaverinagar police colony for violating noise norms, indicating that the action was not restricted to private or community mandals.

Police said cases against mandal office-bearers and other responsible persons could have legal consequences. They also warned that preventive action could be initiated against mandal presidents and DJ operators in subsequent years if violations continue.

“Registering cases this year will not be the end of the matter. From next year, preventive action will be initiated against presidents of mandals booked for violations and DJ operators,” said DCP (Crime) Rohidas Pawar.

Police said excessive DJ noise can disturb senior citizens, patients, students and children and cause distress among animals and birds. Seizure of DJ equipment could also result in financial losses for operators.