Activist assaulted over DJ ban controversy in Pune
The incident took place when technology professional Vidyanand Bapat was speaking to a media channel in Pune district; in the video of the assault went viral wherein an unidentified attacker slapped him, saying: 'He is against our Ganeshotsav. He is atheist. He is against our Hindu festivals, and should be slapped more’.
Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat was assaulted on Thursday, September 3, 2026, over the ban on DJs and loudspeakers during the upcoming Ganesh Chathurthi festival, according to reports. The incident occurred in Kashale Chowk on Tilak Road during an afternoon media interview. The attacker, who remains unidentified, slapped Bapat, stating, "He is against our Ganeshotsav.
He is atheist. He is against our Hindu festivals, and should be slapped more." Bapat, a software professional from Narayan Peth, had previously advocated against DJs and loudspeakers at the Pune Municipal Corporation's preparatory meeting for the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival. Following the assault, police arrived at the scene, vowing to identify the assailants and investigate the motive while ensuring Bapat's safety.
Bapat alleged that the attacker sought attention and called for police action against such individuals.
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