Pune Ganesh DJ row: Activist allegedly assaulted as debate over noise pollution during processions intensifies

Screengrab shows Santosh Chavan, a resident of Rautwadi in Pune’s Kothrud, striking Bapat (in red shirt) during his media interaction

Activist and environmentalist Vidyanand Bapat, who has been vocal against high-decibel DJ systems and excessive noise during Ganeshotsav processions in Pune, was allegedly assaulted on September 3 while speaking to the media on Tilak Road. Police have arrested the suspect, identified as Santosh Chavan, a resident of Rautwadi in Pune's Kothrud area. He is reportedly employed by a local construction businessman and previously served as president of the Priyadarshani Ganesh Mandal.

[popcorn number="Sept 3" desc="Day when Bapat was allegedly assaulted" class="Default"]

Heated meeting

Bapat's demand for restrictions on high-decibel DJ systems came into the spotlight during a Ganeshotsav preparatory meeting held at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He argued that extremely loud sound systems during processions inconvenience residents and can adversely affect public health. His intervention reportedly led to a heated exchange with Ganesh Mandal's representatives, leading PMC security to escort him out of the meeting hall. Videos of the confrontation subsequently circulated on social media.

Vidyanand Bapat speaks to the media on Tilak Road

Legal action

Pune resident Sharad Kelkar has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding citywide noise pollution. Taking cognizance of the complaint, the NHRC issued a show-cause notice to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The complaint has brought noise pollution during public celebrations into a broader legal and civic debate.

Resident Speak

Shweta Puranik
‘Pune is a cultural city, and it is the duty of everyone to preserve its sanctity. DJs and lasers should be banned if they harm people. Action should be taken as per the norms. It is wrong that a person who raised his voice against DJs was beaten up'

Bystanders escort Bapat and the alleged attacker, Santosh Chavan, away from the scene. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Sagar Kulkarni
‘Pune's Ganeshotsav, which has a historic legacy and attracts attention from across the world, should set an example by adopting environmentally friendly and citizen-friendly celebrations rather than allowing festivities to cause harm to people or the environment'

‘I am not against Ganeshotsav'

Speaking after the incident, Bapat alleged that a person attacked him after noticing that he was unarmed and that there was no police presence at the spot. He said video footage of the incident was available and urged the police to examine it and take appropriate legal action against Chavan. He also alleged that the assault was an attempt to gain publicity. Bapat said, "Pune's century-old festival tradition should be preserved while ensuring that celebrations do not result in excessive noise pollution or major traffic disruption."

Who is Vidyanand Bapat?

>> 37-year-old resident of Narayan Peth
>> Originally from Ratnagiri
>> Living in Pune for around eight years
>> Commerce graduate from University of Mumbai
>> Works in the BPO sector, largely from home
>> Not affiliated with any major political organisation
>> Has participated in activities by progressive groups
>> Raises noise pollution as a civic and public-health issue

Verse goes viral

>> Recited a Sanskrit verse during a media interaction
>> Verse was widely shared on social media
>> Conveys doing something outrageous to gain attention
>> Reference added to his growing social-media attention

‘Ideology over hooliganism'

MLA Rohit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar)
"Differences of opinion are natural. If Bapat's position is not acceptable, it should be opposed ideologically. He presents his position on the basis of his views, and his views should be answered with ideas. Resorting to hooliganism in this manner is completely unacceptable."