Vidyanand Bapat Assault Case: CM Condemns Attack; Accused Arrested, Non-Bailable Charges Filed and 24-Hour Police Protection Provided

Pune, 3rd September 2026: The assault on Vidyanand Bapat, who has been vocal about noise pollution during Ganeshotsav celebrations, has triggered widespread outrage and strong political reactions in Pune. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the incident, stating that differences of opinion cannot justify physical violence and that everyone has the right to express their views.

Bapat was allegedly attacked while interacting with a news channel at Kashale Chowk on Tilak Road in Pune. Videos of the incident, which circulated widely, showed him being slapped during the interaction.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Assaulting someone in such a manner is not right. Everyone has the right to express their opinions. The police have arrested the accused.”

He further emphasised that Ganeshotsav should be celebrated in its traditional spirit. “Our Ganeshotsav should be celebrated in a 100 per cent traditional manner. We are beginning that effort from now onwards,” Fadnavis said.

Accused Arrested; Non-Bailable Charges Registered

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar described the attack on Bapat as highly condemnable and said the police were treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

According to the Police Commissioner, a case has been registered against the accused under cognizable and non-bailable provisions. The accused, identified as Santosh Chavan, is currently in police custody and will be produced before a court, where the police are expected to seek Police Custody Remand (PCR).

Chavan is reportedly a resident of Rautwadi in Pune’s Kothrud area and is said to be associated with the Janjagruti Pratishthan Mandal.

Police Commissioner Kumar also announced that Bapat has been provided round-the-clock police protection until further orders.

He warned that strict legal action would also be taken against anyone threatening media representatives during interviews or encouraging such acts of violence.

Regarding a complaint application submitted against Bapat at Kothrud Police Station, Kumar clarified that no criminal offence had been established and therefore no action would be taken against Bapat in connection with the complaint.

Ganesh Mandals Condemn Attack

In the wake of the incident, Pune Police held a detailed meeting with representatives and office-bearers of around 2,000 Ganeshotsav mandals to ensure peace and maintain law and order in the city.

Those present at the meeting unanimously condemned the attack on Bapat and agreed to issue appropriate instructions to their workers to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The Police Commissioner said there was now no dispute regarding the festival and that Ganesh mandals had assured police that they would comply with prescribed sound and decibel limits.

Clarifying the regulations, Kumar said there is no complete ban on loudspeakers or DJs. However, compliance with decibel limits prescribed by the courts is legally mandatory.

Police demonstrations reportedly found that the use of sound systems such as “Pressure Mid,” “Plasma,” and excessive bass and top speakers could push noise levels significantly beyond permissible limits. Authorities said systems violating prescribed norms would face strict action.

Political Leaders Demand Strict Action

The incident also drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said that disagreements should be addressed through debate and democratic means rather than violence.

“Instead of looking at Bapat’s views from a logical perspective, attacking him is a sign of a frenzied mindset. There can be differences of opinion; if you disagree with someone’s stand, oppose it through ideological and democratic means. But resorting to hooliganism in this manner is completely unacceptable,” Pawar said.

He demanded immediate and strict legal action against those responsible and called for adequate security for Bapat.

Meanwhile, MP Supriya Sule strongly condemned the incident and questioned how anyone could dare to physically assault an individual.

“How does someone get the courage to assault a person? Who would do this without powerful backing? This is a black day for Maharashtra. The state’s reputation is being tarnished. I appeal to the Chief Minister to control these goons,” Sule said.

She further alleged that such incidents posed a threat to democratic values.

“Democracy is being murdered. This country must function according to democratic principles. We will not tolerate such incidents. If this hooliganism continues, we may have to speak not to the Chief Minister, but directly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” she added.

The assault case has now become a major talking point in Pune amid the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations, with police maintaining that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against anyone violating the law.