A videograb of the attack on the anti-noise campaigner on Thursday
Bapat, however, dismissed the attack as an attempt at “cheap publicity” and declared that it would not deter his campaign against noise pollution. I know that what I am doing is right, so there is no question of stepping back,” he said. “The attacker was like a zombie and there is no point arguing with such people. Police should do their job and take action against him.
The Vishrambaug police later registered an FIR under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 353(2) (statements promoting enmity/hatred) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that the accused had been detained and stressed that violence could not be justified under any circumstances.
I have said earlier too that we should return Ganeshotsav celebrations to the traditional way. We may not achieve complete success in the first year, but we must make a sincere effort to reach that goal over time,” Fadnavis said. Nothing should be done that creates problems for local residents or causes inconvenience to people,” Shinde said. Violence is not justified,” Kumar said, adding that stringent action would follow. Kumar said Bapat had been provided round-the-clock police protection until further orders. Regarding a complaint filed against Bapat, Kumar said police were conducting an inquiry. Physical attack on a person for expressing his or her views is not the right way,” Mohol said. “If the price of ideological differences is beatings and arrests, then the coming times are truly going to be very tough,” Sapkal posted on X.
The accused, identified as Santosh Chavan, president of Kothrud-based Janjagruti Pratishthan, was taken into custody soon after the incident. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , who also holds the home portfolio, strongly condemned the assault, saying every citizen had the right to express views. “Police have arrested the accused. In a city like Pune, such disputes should not turn violent. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment, saying the festival must be celebrated without causing inconvenience to residents. “Ganesh festival is an integral part of our tradition, and we must ensure that it is celebrated in a manner that preserves its essence. “Everyone has the freedom of speech. Union minister Murlidhar Mohol also denounced the assault, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and debate, not physical attacks. “If we do not agree with someone’s position, it can be addressed through dialogue and by presenting an alternative viewpoint. Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal, Congress member Prashant Jagtap and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar joined the criticism.