Tensions Rise in Pune Village Following Controversial Social Media Post

Tensions flared in Yavat village, Pune, after a social media post about an alleged rape incident in Madhya Pradesh sparked communal violence. The police reported no injuries but confirmed damage to property and the use of tear gas to control the situation. The individual behind the post has been detained, and investigations are ongoing regarding his affiliations. Local authorities are taking measures to ensure peace following this unexpected unrest, which follows a previous incident involving the vandalism of a statue. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the post that incited the violence, promising action against those responsible for creating such tensions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 2, 2025, 08:12 IST

Violence Erupts Over Alleged Rape Incident

On Friday, Yavat village in Pune's Daund taluka experienced communal unrest triggered by a social media post concerning an alleged rape incident in Madhya Pradesh. Reports indicate that no injuries were reported during the disturbances, according to local law enforcement.

The contentious post referenced the alleged assault of two minor girls by a 60-year-old priest within a temple in Madhya Pradesh.

The individual responsible for the post has been detained by authorities; however, he is not a local resident of Yavat.

Authorities are currently investigating any affiliations he may have with external groups.

Sunil Phulari, the special inspector general for Kolhapur, noted that during the unrest, stones were hurled at vehicles.

"Two car windows were shattered, a motorcycle was set ablaze, and a bakery sustained damage," Phulari stated. "Additionally, a religious site was also partially damaged."

To quell the violence, police deployed tear gas.

Law enforcement confirmed that the situation has since stabilized.

Phulari remarked that the incident was unexpected, and actions will be taken against both local residents and outsiders involved in the violence.

Superintendent of Police Sandip Gill mentioned that those suspected of participating in the vandalism and stone-throwing have not yet been apprehended.

Following objections from villagers regarding the social media post, individuals from both religious communities confronted the poster at his home, questioning the necessity of his post given the village's sensitive atmosphere.

The village has been on edge since July 26, when a statue of the 17th-century ruler Shivaji was reportedly vandalized.

In response, leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, along with Hindutva groups and local residents, organized a rally to denounce the statue's vandalism.

Police had previously engaged with villagers and political figures to maintain order, resulting in the detention of two individuals linked to the statue incident.

Following the statue's vandalism, the village had remained calm until this recent outbreak of violence.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the unrest was incited by an outsider's misleading post, which suggested that a priest had committed a serious crime, leading to public agitation.

Fadnavis noted that police had to use force to disperse the crowd, emphasizing that some individuals post inflammatory content to incite unrest, and assured that action would be taken against them.