Tension Prevails in Pune’s Yavat Village After Two Groups Clash Over Social Media Post; Fadnavis Promises Action
Yavat village in Pune’s Daund taluka witnessed heightened tension on Friday following a clash between two groups over an alleged offensive post on social media, leading police to resort to tear gas to disperse an angry crowd and restore normalcy.
A youth from one community allegedly shared a controversial post online, which provoked anger among members of another group.
Violence broke out shortly after, with a furious mob reportedly damaging properties belonging to the opposite community, hurling stones, and even setting a two-wheeler on fire.
Police Intervene Swiftly
Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill stated, “A youth in Yavat posted a social media status that drew objections from other residents and their associates. The boy was brought to the police station for inquiry. Representatives from both communities assembled at the station and interacted with the police inspector.
“While this conversation was taking place, groups of youngsters started gathering on the streets and attempted acts of vandalism in certain spots. However, considering the recent disturbances in the last week, police presence was already in place. The team acted immediately and prevented the situation from worsening.”
Heavy Police Presence, Section 144 Imposed
Following the clash, security has been intensified in the area with senior officers from Pune Rural Police camping in Yavat, as reported by ANI.
To prevent further unrest, Section 144 has been enforced for 48 hours, restricting gatherings and aiming to maintain public order.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and warned against sharing false information or inflammatory content on social media platforms.
Fadnavis Responds to Situation
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the matter, stating that preliminary reports indicate the post in question was made by someone from outside the village.
“I have received preliminary information that an outsider uploaded the offensive post. This triggered unrest, leading to people gathering in large numbers. To control the situation, the police had to resort to lathi-charge,” Fadnavis said, as quoted by ANI.
He further confirmed that the situation has been brought under control and peace has been restored.
“The present situation is peaceful. People from both communities are in dialogue and working towards resolving the issue,” he said.
Fadnavis stressed that strict action will be taken against those responsible.
“Some individuals deliberately post such content to spark unrest. Strict legal action will be taken against them. No one has the right to insult any religion in the name of freedom of expression. It’s wrong to say this unrest was caused due to a public gathering,” he added.
He appealed to the public to maintain harmony and not engage in vigilantism.
“Our only request is that everyone maintains peace. No one should take law into their hands. If they do, the police will act firmly,” Fadnavis asserted.
Ajit Pawar Visits Area
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the affected area to assess the situation and meet those impacted. He stated that the police machinery is actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure peace.
Local MLA Visits Police Station
BJP MLA Rahul Kul, who represents the Daund constituency, also reached Yavat police station to take stock of the developments following the unrest.
Shop Owner Shares His Experience
A local bakery owner, Swapnil Adinath Kadam, whose shop was damaged in the violence, shared his account.
“Some people began throwing stones, removed the tin sheets, and tossed something flammable inside the bakery. A few of my workers are Muslims from Uttar Pradesh. This morning, someone claimed that Muslims had posted the objectionable post. There’s a mosque nearby, and people assumed the bakery belonged to Muslims. But the bakery belongs to us. The workers are only tenants. The entire bakery has been gutted,” he said.
Tensions Follow Earlier Incident
This latest incident comes just days after tempers flared over the alleged desecration of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Neelkantheshwar temple in Yavat on July 26.
