Pune Police Respond After Communal Clash Erupts Over WhatsApp Post; 15 Arrested
PUNE, India – August 3, 2025: Following a serious outbreak of communal violence in Yavat, a village in the Daund area, Pune rural police have taken 15 people into custody and filed five initial police reports (FIRs) against more than 500 individuals. The disturbance kicked off after a young local man shared an offensive WhatsApp status update on Friday afternoon, leading to widespread destruction. Mobs vandalized local property, torched a bakery, and damaged a religious building. In response, authorities have imposed Section 144, banning gatherings of five or more people, to regain control and stop things from getting worse.
Tensions Flare, Leading to Immediate Violence
The events in Yavat weren’t out of nowhere; they were the boiling point of existing unease. Police and officials say the trouble began when a young villager, originally from Nanded, posted a WhatsApp status that many found offensive. It seemed to reference a sensitive incident involving a Hindu priest in Madhya Pradesh. The post spread quickly, angering many local residents.
The community was already on edge due to a separate event the previous week, when a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was reportedly defaced by someone who wasn’t from the area. This earlier incident raised tensions. The WhatsApp post was the spark that ignited the sudden burst of violence.
Mobs Cause Havoc, Police Step In
On Friday afternoon, large groups filled the streets of Yavat after the post went viral, causing widespread chaos. These mobs are accused of targeting and damaging properties, including a motorcycle, two cars, and a bakery. They also damaged a religious site, making it clear that the clash was driven by communal tensions.
Pune rural police, along with the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), quickly arrived on the scene. They had to use lathi charges (baton strikes) and fire tear gas to scatter the rioters and restore order. Police report no villagers were hurt, but there was considerable property damage.
Arrests Made, Legal Process Begins
The police have verified the arrest of the young man who posted the offensive material. He’s been charged with hurting religious feelings, which was a key action in trying to calm the situation. Following this, Pune rural police started a large operation against those involved in the violence.
According to Senior Inspector Narayan Deshmukh from the Yavat police station, the 15 arrested individuals are in police custody until August 6. Five FIRs have been filed, four of them naming over 500 people involved in arson and property damage. Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill mentioned that they’ve identified over 100 people so far.
Political Leaders Call for Peace
State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the village on Friday. They both strongly condemned the violence, with Fadnavis warning that the government will take strict action against anyone trying to stir up communal conflict. He added that people should not take the law into their own hands, no matter what was posted on social media.
Ajit Pawar stated that the accused is a daily wage worker from Nanded who has lived in Yavat for several years. Both leaders have asked community members to remain calm and not believe rumors. They assured everyone that the situation is under control and that both communities are working together to bring back peace.
Investigation and Monitoring Continue
Pune rural police have started a thorough investigation into the incident. Superintendent Gill believes the violence wasn’t a planned conspiracy but a spontaneous reaction to the offensive post and existing tensions. The police are still investigating to reach final conclusions.
To prevent the spread of misinformation and further unrest, police are watching social media closely and using drones for surveillance in the village. Restrictions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) section 163 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 144 will stay in place until the situation is fully stable.
