Mob Targets House After Provocative Post in Pune, Police Fires Tear Gas to Control Violence

Pune(The Uttam Hindu): A tense situation unfolded in Yavat, located in Daund Taluka of Pune district, after a controversial social media post led to unrest between two local communities. The incident, which sparked shortly after noon, forced authorities to deploy heavy police presence in the area to control the escalating situation.

The tension reportedly began following a provocative WhatsApp message shared by a youth from the Sahakar Nagar locality. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the accused, identified as Syed, has been taken into custody by Yavat Police for questioning. Although the exact content of the post has not been officially disclosed, it is believed to have contributed to an already fragile environment in the region.

Sources reveal that a group of local residents attempted to vandalize the house of the accused. However, quick police intervention prevented the situation from spiraling into violence. Officers used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and regain control.

This latest flare-up follows an earlier temple desecration incident on July 26, where miscreants reportedly tampered with the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Neelkantheshwar Temple in Yavat. The individual involved in the act, also reported to belong to the Muslim community, was arrested, sparking widespread outrage and protests.

In response to the ongoing tensions, Hindu organizations held a large-scale protest march, which was addressed by BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap. The leaders condemned the incidents and demanded strict action against those responsible.

Amid rising public anger, multiple villages across Daund Taluka observed a shutdown today to register their protest. Security remains heightened, and police have urged residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading misinformation.