Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat slapped while speaking to media during Ganesh festival noise debate

Pune: The Hindu Seva Sangh has demanded that Kothrud Police register a case against Pune resident Vidyanand Bapat, alleging that he made remarks that hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community during the ongoing Ganesh festival.Sangh president Rohit Ramesh Marne submitted a complaint to the senior police inspector at Kothrud Police Station, seeking an inquiry and legal action against Bapat.Watch Video:Hindu Seva Sangh president Marne says a complaint has been filed against Vidyanand Bapat over his remarks on Ganeshotsav, alleging that he called the festival economically harmful, "useless" and other things, hurting Hindu sentiments. pic.twitter.com/yj2wQ0FblP— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) September 3, 2026 According to the organisation, Bapat made allegedly objectionable statements on a public platform and through the media in the backdrop of the Ganesh festival. The Sangh claimed that his remarks could create unrest and social tension.The organisation has also alleged that Bapat made a statement along the lines of, “I do not believe in the majority.” It has sought a detailed inquiry into the context of the statement and its alleged connection with the Indian democratic system, the Constitution and the democratic framework established under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar.The Hindu Seva Sangh has urged police to investigate the allegations of hurting religious sentiments, creating social unrest and allegedly disrespecting the Constitution and democratic institutions, and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are found to be true.JUST IN: Footage shows Vidyanand Bapat being slapped while giving a byte to TV9 Marathi in Pune earlier today. A man approached and allegedly hit Bapat as he spoke to the channel, after which others joined in. Raising your voice on civic issues shouldn’t invite a mob. pic.twitter.com/x3CxMKB0vU— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) September 3, 2026The demand comes amid heightened activity and public discourse surrounding the Ganesh festival in Pune.Centre Taking Steps To Promote Handloom: Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni In PuneWhat did the organisation say?Hindu Seva Sangh president Rohit Marne said, “Vidyanand Bapat is a name that has recently come into the spotlight. The statements he made about the Ganesh festival suggesting that the Ganesh festival brings economic slump, or that it is useless, or that local goons with no work to do engage in hooliganism there have hurt the sentiments of our entire Hindu community.”Marne added, “In some instances, he even compared the festival to Yakub Memon. Because the sentiments of all our Hindu people were hurt by this, we have come today to file a complaint against him. We have filed the complaint to the senior inspector.”Caught On Camera: Vidyanand Bapat Slapped While Speaking To Media In PuneWho is Vidyanand Bapat?Vidyanand Bapat is a 37-year-old BPO professional from Ratnagiri who has been living in Pune’s Narayan Peth for around eight years. He recently came into the spotlight for speaking out against noise pollution and the use of DJs and high-decibel loudspeakers during Ganeshotsav.Bapat has maintained that his campaign is against excessive noise, not against Ganeshotsav or any religion, and has called for similar rules to apply to other public events. He has submitted complaints and representations to civic authorities seeking action on noise pollution.He is not a politician or established public figure; his recent prominence stems from his civic activism and outspoken views.

Pune: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Thursday said strict action would be taken against those responsible for assaulting activist Vidyanand Bapat on Tilak Road earlier in the day. Bapat was allegedly slapped and assaulted while speaking to the media at Kashale Chowk in an incident captured on camera.Speaking after the incident while addressing the press, Kumar said police were recording Bapat’s complaint and would register a case based on the allegations. “Bapat’s complaint is being recorded and a case will be registered against the accused based on the complaint,” Kumar said.Pune CP Amitesh Kumar says a cognizable, non-bailable case is being registered over the assault on Vidyanand Bapat. The accused is in custody and will be produced in court tomorrow. Police have also provided Bapat round-the-clock security until further orders. pic.twitter.com/RMq7C9LOFE— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) September 3, 2026 The Commissioner further said the suspect would be produced before a court on Friday and that police would seek his custody for investigation. “The accused will be produced before the court tomorrow and the police will seek his custody,” he said.Kumar said police were treating the incident seriously and would take stringent action. “The police are looking at this incident seriously and our stand is to take strict action,” he said.Following the assault, Bapat has also been provided police protection. Kumar said, “Security has been provided to Vidyanand Bapat.” He added that the protection would continue as required until further orders.The Commissioner also said representatives of Ganesh mandals had unanimously condemned the incident. “All Ganesh mandals have condemned the incident unanimously, and discussions have been held with them to ensure that such an incident does not happen again,” he said.Pune: 24x7 Water Supply Project To Enter Trial Phase Across 60 Zones Regarding a complaint submitted against Bapat, Kumar clarified that no offence warranting registration of a case had been established so far. “A complaint application has been received against Bapat, but no offence has been found at present. Therefore, no case will be registered against him for now,” he said.Bapat has recently been in the spotlight for opposing DJs and high-decibel sound systems during Ganeshotsav. His campaign for a noise-controlled Ganesh festival had triggered heated exchanges with sections of Ganesh mandals and others. On Thursday, he was attacked while speaking to the media on Tilak Road, escalating the already contentious debate over noise levels during the festival.

Pune: Santosh Chavan, who has been accused of assaulting social activist Vidyanand Bapat during a media interaction on Tilak Road, has defended the confrontation and said that “anyone who speaks against the Ganesh festival is getting slapped across the face like this”. Chavan’s remarks, made in a video after the incident, have drawn attention as the city continues to debate the use of DJs, sound systems and dhol-tasha troupes during Ganeshotsav. His statement appears to suggest that the alleged assault was linked to Bapat’s opposition to loud sound systems during the festival.“Anyone who speaks against the Ganesh festival is getting slapped across the face like this,” says Santosh Chavan, who has been accused of assaulting social activist Vidyanand Bapat during a media interaction on Pune’s Tilak Road. pic.twitter.com/o0m9pqZkr5— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) September 3, 2026 ‘Anyone who speaks against Ganesh festival is getting slapped’In the video, Chavan said he did not have a “personal stance” on the matter. He then said anyone speaking against the Ganesh festival was being slapped. “I don’t have any personal stance. Anyone who speaks against the Ganesh festival is getting slapped across the face like this,” Chavan said.The remark comes amid allegations that Bapat was assaulted while speaking to journalists about his opposition to high-decibel DJs and loudspeakers during the festival. Bapat had said that a group of young men surrounded him and attacked him while he was being interviewed. He also said the journalist present at the spot had witnessed the incident.#WATCH | Vidyanand Bapat Hit During Feedback Drive On Pune’s Tilak Road; Video Captures Incident Read the story by @VaradBhatkhande: https://t.co/NXAzPpFMC2 #PuneNews #Maharashtra #VidyanandBapat pic.twitter.com/Sfs6OigaKa— Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) September 3, 2026 In the video, Chavan also questioned the media for giving Bapat attention. At one point, he asked where Bapat had gone and why the media was giving him publicity. “Why are you giving him fame? You media people have elevated him out of nowhere,” Chavan said.He questioned why journalists were giving importance to Bapat and used derogatory language against him. Chavan also called Bapat “mentally ill” and alleged that he had “lost his mind”. The comments came in the context of Bapat’s campaign against loud music and DJs during Ganeshotsav.Pune: Swine Flu Cases Jump To 31 In August In Pimpri-Chinchwad; Dengue Positives Also Rise ‘Pune has a 130-year-old tradition’Chavan also invoked Pune’s long association with the public Ganesh festival. He said Pune has a 130-year-old tradition and questioned Bapat’s authority to tell people how the festival should be celebrated. “Pune city has a 130-year-old tradition, and who is he to tell us anything?” Chavan said.He also referred to Bapat’s demand to stop loud sound systems and DJs during the festival. Chavan questioned Bapat’s knowledge of Pune and its Ganeshotsav traditions. His comments reflect the growing disagreement between those demanding restrictions on loud music and those defending traditional public celebrations and the role of Ganesh mandals.Chavan also accused Bapat and others of focusing on sound pollution while ignoring other civic issues. He referred to potholes on Pune’s roads and said people should instead raise questions about them. “There are potholes on the road… talk about the potholes on the roads here!” he said.He also criticised people who, according to him, were opposing the festival and its sound systems. The remarks come at a time when the use of DJs and high-volume sound systems during Ganesh processions has become a contentious issue in Pune.Vidyanand Bapat Attacked In Pune: Kothrud Resident Santosh Chavan Identified As Accused Police investigation to establish what happenedChavan has been identified as a resident of Rautwadi in Kothrud and is reported to work for a real estate developer. He is also said to be a former president of the Priyadarshini Ganesh Mandal in Rautwadi.The exact circumstances of the alleged assault and the role of Chavan and others will have to be established through the police investigation and available video footage.The incident has come as Pune prepares for Ganeshotsav, with the debate over noise levels, DJs, dhol-tasha performances and the traditional character of the festival continuing to intensify.While mandal representatives have argued that the festival supports employment and community activity, critics have called for stricter controls on noise.The immediate controversy, however, is centred on whether opposition to aspects of Ganeshotsav can be met with physical violence.

Activist Vidyanand Bapat faced an alleged assault on Thursday morning. He was speaking to media persons about his opposition to loud festival music. A video shows a man slapping Bapat during his statement to reporters. Police are working to identify the attacker and ensure Bapat's safety. Bapat's campaign against loud DJs has gained significant public support statewide.

Pune: The assault on social activist Vidyanand Bapat while he was speaking to the media on Tilak Road on Thursday has triggered strong political reactions in Pune, with leaders across parties condemning the use of violence against a person for expressing his views and demanding police action and protection for Bapat.Bapat, who has been vocal against the use of DJs and high-decibel sound systems during Ganeshotsav, was speaking to a media channel when a man approached him and allegedly slapped him. The incident was captured on camera and subsequently triggered a political debate over freedom of expression, law and order and the enforcement of noise regulations in Pune. Supriya Sule demands actionBaramati MP Supriya Sule strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of the person responsible. Speaking to TV9 Marathi, she said, “This is a condemnable incident. The person who assaulted him must be arrested.” She further demanded an investigation into whether any “system” or other force was working behind the attacker.Sule also raised concerns over what she described as increasing hooliganism in Pune. “If this continues, we will have to call not the Chief Minister but Union Home Minister Amit Shah and seek justice,” she said. She added that she had spoken to Bapat and would send lawyers known to her to assist him.Caught On Camera: Vidyanand Bapat Slapped While Speaking To Media In Pune Pune-based NCP SP leader Shrikant Patil also condemned the attack and demanded legal action as well as police protection for Bapat. In his statement, Patil said, “There can be differences of opinion. If you do not agree with his stand, oppose it ideologically… but such hooliganism is absolutely not right.”Calling the assault a sign of a “disturbed mentality”, Patil said Bapat’s position on DJs during Ganeshotsav should have been addressed through reason and debate rather than physical violence. He urged the police administration to take action under appropriate legal provisions and provide protection to Bapat.Centre Taking Steps To Promote Handloom: Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni In Pune Prashant Jagtap criticises BJPCongress leader and former Pune mayor Prashant Jagtap said the incident reflected the increasing “high-handedness” of the ruling BJP in Pune. “This is an example of how the ruling BJP’s high-handedness has increased in Pune,” Jagtap said, alleging that wrong tendencies were receiving political support.He said, “Bapat was raising an issue concerning citizens and was not opposing Ganeshotsav or religious festivals.” He also added that Bapat was speaking against the problems caused by excessively loud DJs and alleged that the issue had now reached the point of physical assault.Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Ganeshotsav is Maharashtra’s culture and tradition and appealed that celebrations should not inconvenience citizens. “Nobody should do anything that causes trouble or inconvenience to citizens,” he said.

Pune: Social activist Vidyanand Bapat was allegedly assaulted by a man while he was being interviewed during a public feedback drive on loudspeakers and DJs on Tilak Road in Pune. Bapat, who has been vocal against the use of high-decibel sound systems during the Ganesh festival, said the attackers took advantage of the fact that he was unarmed and that there were no armed police personnel nearby.The incident happened while a journalist was interviewing Bapat about his stand on loud DJs and sound systems. Bapat said the journalist witnessed the incident and had footage of what happened. He alleged that the assault was an attempt to create sensationalism and gain publicity.Vidyanand Bapat, who recently came into the spotlight for opposing the use of DJs and high-decibel loudspeakers during the Ganesh festival, was assaulted on Tilak Road in Pune https://t.co/Csg8uIUUGn pic.twitter.com/2WuEdysFe9— Gaurav Kadam (@gauraavkadam) September 3, 2026 Vidyanand Bapat assault caught on camera pic.twitter.com/FcXvhpD94d— Gaurav Kadam (@gauraavkadam) September 3, 2026 Bapat asks police to take actionSpeaking to the media about the incident, Bapat said he had already informed the police. He also urged the journalist to hand over the footage of the incident to the police. Bapat said arguments should be answered with logic and not violence.हल्ला झाल्यानंतर विद्यानंद बापटांची यांनी दिलेली प्रतिक्रिया pic.twitter.com/YfODeVYy3W— SΔT∇IҜ ∇ΣΣR SUΠDΣR (@Sundarspeak57) September 3, 2026 He described the incident as a result of a “mob mentality” and said it was the responsibility of the police to deal with those involved. Bapat also rejected the suggestion that his opposition to loudspeakers meant he was against the Ganesh festival. The incident came amid a wider debate in Pune over the use of DJs, sound systems and dhol-tasha troupes during Ganesh festivities.Caught On Camera: Vidyanand Bapat Slapped While Speaking To Media In Pune Assault accused identified as Santosh ChavanThe person accused of assaulting Bapat has been identified as Santosh Chavan, a resident of Rautwadi in Kothrud, according to the information available. Chavan is also reported to work for a real estate developer. He is said to be a former president of the Priyadarshini Ganesh Mandal in Rautwadi.The exact reason for the alleged assault has not been established. It is also not clear what triggered the confrontation or whether Chavan acted alone or as part of a group. The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances and motive behind the incident.WATCH: Vidyanand Bapat Severely Assaulted During Feedback Drive On Pune’s Tilak Road Chavan had criticised Bapat’s stand on sound systemsIn a social media video a few days ago, Chavan spoke about the ongoing debate over sound systems and dhol-tasha performances during the Ganesh festival. He said some people were demanding that the festival be celebrated without sound systems and dhol troupes because they cause inconvenience to residents. View this post on Instagram Chavan said that, as a Puneite, he wanted to highlight what he described as the “ground reality” of the city’s Ganesh festival. He pointed to Pune’s large number of Ganesh mandals and said the city has around 3,800 to 4,000 small and large mandals. He said around 1,400 mandals in the Peth areas are registered.According to Chavan, the mandals collectively spend more than Rs 100 crore during the 12-day festival. He claimed that the figure rises to around Rs 1,000 crore when household Ganesh celebrations are also included.Santosh Pandit Held! Pune Police Detain Activist Days After Being Booked Over Reel On Minister Chandrakant Patil - VIDEO Shows Him Slapping Himself, Removing Belt Chavan says sound systems support livelihoodsChavan argued that sound systems should not be viewed as the enemy. He acknowledged that loud sound can cause problems for residents. However, he said strict volume limits could address the issue instead of imposing a complete ban.Chavan claimed that if around 700 mandals use sound systems, stopping them would affect the livelihoods of thousands of people working around the festival. He said electricians, generator operators, tractor-trolley drivers, labourers, sound operators and decorators depend on this work during the festival.He claimed that around 8,000 households could be affected if these activities were stopped. Chavan also questioned comparisons between Pune and Solapur. He said Solapur has around 1,000 mandals, with only about 100 registered. Pune, he said, has more than 3,800 mandals and around 1,400 registered mandals.Centre Taking Steps To Promote Handloom: Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni In Pune He also pointed to differences in the immersion routes and the time taken for immersion in the two cities.According to him, Solapur has an immersion route of around four to five kilometres, while Pune’s route is around 12 to 15 kilometres. He said immersion took around 22 hours in Solapur last year compared with around 30 hours in Pune.Chavan called for dialogue and new rulesChavan said banning sound systems was not the solution. Instead, he called for Ganesh mandals, the administration and other stakeholders to sit together and frame updated rules. He said the rules should be strictly followed by the mandals.He also referred to Lokmanya Tilak’s role in popularising the public Ganesh festival. Chavan said the festival was meant to bring people from different castes and religions together.He questioned whether Bapat’s position on sound systems was consistent with those ideals. Chavan further criticised Bapat for focusing on noise pollution. He asked whether Bapat had also spoken about issues such as air pollution, water pollution, deforestation and corruption.Why Was Santosh Pandit Arrested? Here’s What We Know About Pune Police Action He also questioned whether Bapat was targeting Ganesh mandals at someone else’s behest. However, the video statement does not by itself establish that these remarks were directly connected to the alleged assault on Bapat.The police investigation will determine what led to the confrontation and whether Chavan or any others will face action in connection with the alleged assault.