Pune: Clashes Erupt In Yavat Over Offensive Social Media Post
Pune: Clashes Erupt In Yavat Over Offensive Social Media Post
Pune | August 1, 2025: Tension escalated in Yavat village of Daund taluka in Pune district after an offensive WhatsApp post sparked violence between two groups. The situation turned volatile as both sides clashed, leading to heavy stone pelting, torching of two-wheelers, and attacks on shops, homes, and religious places. Police responded with lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the mob.
Four days earlier, unrest had already begun in the area after allegations of desecration of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A bandh was called across Yavat and Daund. BJP leader Gopichand Padalkar, MLA Sangram Jagtap, and Kinnar Akhada head Jagadguru Hemangi Sakhi had visited and addressed gatherings on the issue just a day prior.
After their departure, fresh tension erupted this morning over another offensive post on Facebook. A mob took to the streets, shutting down markets, setting fire to homes, shops, and a bakery, and damaging places of worship.
Police and riot control forces arrived promptly, fired tear gas shells, and brought the situation under control. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders (Section 144) in Yavat. Though today was a weekly market day, it remained shut due to the unrest.
Daund MLA Rahul Kul appealed for calm and confirmed that the person who posted the objectionable content had been arrested. He emphasized that the administration, with support from locals, is working to restore peace and that positive results are being seen.
