Tensions Grip Pune Village After Clash Over Social Media Post, Fadnavis Vows Action

Tensions flared in Yavat village in the Daund tehsil of Pune district on Friday after an alleged objectionable social media post led to violent clashes between two groups. The situation forced police to use teargas shells and a lathi-charge to disperse an angry mob that engaged in vandalism, stone-pelting, and arson.

The violence reportedly broke out after a young man from one community uploaded an offensive post on social media, which enraged members of another group. An irate mob then took to the streets, vandalizing structures and properties, including a local bakery and a structure identified by locals as a mosque. A motorcycle was also set on fire during the rampage. Police have since detained the youth who allegedly uploaded the post.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that he was monitoring the situation and that it was now under control. “According to the information, a person from outside had posted an objectionable status, which led to tensions. People came out onto the streets, and in order to control the crowd, some lathi-charge had to be carried out,” he stated. Fadnavis assured that the situation is now peaceful, with leaders from both communities engaging in dialogue to resolve the issue.

The Chief Minister strongly condemned the act of posting provocative content and vowed strict action against the perpetrator. “Some people deliberately post such statuses to create tension, but strict action will definitely be taken against them… No one has the right to make offensive remarks against any religion in this manner,” he asserted, while urging all citizens to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.

The owner of a local bakery recounted how his shop was targeted during the violence. “Someone said that this bakery belongs to Muslims… They pelted stones, took away the tin sheets, and hurled something inflammable inside the bakery… Our bakery is completely burned,” said Swapnil Adinath Kadam, who clarified that while some of his workers are Muslim, the bakery does not belong to them.

A heavy police presence has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order, though tension remains palpable. This incident comes just days after the same area experienced unrest over the desecration of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on July 26.