Pune Rural Police Remove Discriminatory Boards Boycotting Muslims in Mulshi Villages
Pune, 9th July 2025: In a significant move to curb rising communal tensions in Mulshi Taluka, the Pune Rural Police have removed illegal display boards that called for a boycott of Muslims and prohibited their entry into certain villages and places of worship.
The discriminatory boards had appeared in Paud, Pirangut, Kolvan, and nearby villages, following an incident in early May involving the alleged desecration of a religious idol. Civil rights organisations had condemned the boards as unconstitutional and inflammatory, claiming they led to forced business closures, displacement of families, and an atmosphere of fear.
“We have removed the objectionable boards after holding meetings with local gram panchayats and civil rights groups. The situation is being monitored closely,” said Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Sandeep Singh Gill, speaking to media.
Background: Civil Rights Groups Raise Alarm
The action by police follows a detailed joint memorandum submitted by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). The groups had alleged:
Shops and businesses owned by Muslims were being forcibly shut down.
Hate messages and boycott calls were circulating on WhatsApp and social media.
Landlords were being pressured not to rent to Muslims.
Families were being driven out of their villages due to threats and intimidation.
The boards, they said, were not only unauthorised, but also a violation of constitutional rights such as freedom of movement, residence, trade, and religion.
Civil Society Welcomes Step, Demands More Action
While welcoming the police’s move to remove the boards, PUCL and APCR have called for:
Restoration of closed businesses with adequate police protection.
Action against those who issued threats or circulated hate content.
Support for displaced families to return safely and rebuild their lives.
“This is a step in the right direction, but we need sustained administrative effort to reverse the damage done and ensure that this pattern doesn’t spread to other parts of Maharashtra,” said G.D. Parekh, Retired District Judge and President of PUCL Pune.
What’s Next?
Police have not confirmed whether any FIRs or arrests have been made in connection with the hate campaign or intimidation incidents. However, officials stated that monitoring has been intensified, and local peace committees may be involved to prevent further escalation.
The memorandum has also been submitted to senior state officials including the Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioner, and public representatives such as MP Supriya Sule and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar.
