Pune police commissioner vows strict action against activist Vidyanand Bapat’s assailant

The Commissioner’s remarks came after a meeting organised by the Pune Police for festival activists ahead of Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav. Addressing the gathering, Amitesh Kumar condemned the attack and cautioned against the public taking the law into their hands.

Following the assault, the police escorted Bapat to a safe location while the alleged assailant was taken into custody. An inquiry into the incident has since begun, with police stating that questioning of the detained youth is currently underway.

Bapat has been vocal in recent days about the need to curb excessive noise from DJs and loudspeakers during public celebrations. He has reiterated that his campaign is not directed against Ganeshotsav or any religious sentiment, but only against the volume of amplified music during festivities.

Bapat alleged that his attackers were unhappy with his views and appeared to be seeking publicity, since disagreement is typically met with counter-arguments rather than violence.