Row over missing man’s photo on Maharashtra govt ad of pilgrimage scheme, Pune rural police launch search

This had led to a political controversy, with Congress leader Vijay Wadettivar, writing on the X handle, that it was a crime to use a citizen’s photo in this manner for an advertisement, without seeking his permission. Wadettivar slammed the Mahayuti government, claiming that its schemes as well as advertisements are hollow.

In the wake of this controversy, a team of Pune rural police rushed to Dnyaneshwar Tambe’s house in Varude village in Shirur on Saturday. Thereupon, his son Bharat Tambe lodged a missing report at Shikrapur police station, police inspector Deepratan Gaikwad said.

“The family told us that Dnyaneshwar Tambe has left home and gone missing in a similar manner several times in the past. The last time he left home was during Covid 19 outbreak in December 2021, and the family believed he would return on his own. So they did not inform the police or lodge any missing report about him,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Prashant Dhole.

“The family said that after leaving home, Dnyaneshwar Tambe often visited pilgrimage sites. They suspect he had gone to the Wari procession where his photo may have been clicked. We have formed two teams to search for Tambe,” Dhole said.