Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad Police ‘Shields’ Venky’s Balaji Rao From FIR For Late-Night Birthday Party; Akon, Shankar Mahadevan, Whigfield Among Performers
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Bavdhan, 10th December 2024: A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the organizer of an event where renowned singers Shankar Mahadevan, Akon, and Whigfield performed alongside other famous artists near the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.
The event, a private birthday party for B. Balaji Rao, director of Venky’s Group, held on the night of 8th December, caused significant disturbance to the public in Bavdhan and surrounding areas. Over 100 residents gathered at Bavdhan police station on Monday to raise their concerns and filed a complaint.
However, the cops have registered an FIR based on a complaint from
Police Constable Namdev Kisan Kondalkar. The case has been registered against event organizer Adinath Sambhaji Mate, resident of Venkateshwara House (Venky’s office), Sinhagad Road, Pune. Police have failed to name Balaji Rao or the artists who performed illegally.
Charges include Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 292, 293, and relevant sections of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules of 2000, the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, and the Maharashtra Police Act of 1951.
Though citizens said, citing social media video reports and status posts on Instagram of those who attended and performed, that the party went on the whole night, police FIR states that it was on till 2.30 am. Even after repeated complaints from citizens who were disturbed by the loud music, the Pimpri Chinchwad police were not able to stop the loud party at the premises of Bal Industries, Kokate Vasti, Bavdhan.
According to police, the accused Mate organized a private party that violated all noise pollution rules set by the administration and Pimpri Chinchwad Police. The party went on throughout the night, and the noise was excessively loud. Additionally, LED lights that were harmful to the eyes were used at the event. The birthday party was held near the Chandani Chowk, disturbing residents of Bavdhan, Baner, Pashan, and nearby areas.
Mate had previously obtained permission from Pimpri Chinchwad Police for the birthday party of B. Balaji Rao, Managing Director and Director of all companies in the Venkateshwara Hatcheries (VH) Group.
At the privately organized birthday party, popular singer Shankar Mahadevan and his son Shivam performed. Instagram stories confirm that the iconic trio of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, consisting of singer Shankar Mahadevan, guitarist Ehsaan Noorani, and pianist Loy Mendonsa, was also present and performed. Danish singer Whigfield and American singer Akon are also seen entertaining the guests.
Reports suggest that despite being aware of the sound regulations, they continued to perform. There is a possibility that their names may be added to the FIR as the investigation progresses.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Vishal Gaikwad told Punekar News, “An FIR has been registered against the organizer of the event. The event featured loud music and violated noise pollution rules. We are investigating the matter further, and appropriate action will be taken.”
The investigation is being carried out by Assistant Police Inspector Mahale, under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Anil Vibhute, in charge of Bavdhan Police Station.
The investigation will now focus on determining and identifying everyone involved and responsible for violating noise and sound regulations.
