Pune Police Arrest Two For Molesting Journalist During Ganpati Visarjan
Pune Police Arrest Two For Molesting Journalist During Ganpati Visarjan
Pune, September 9, 2025: Pune Police have arrested two men for allegedly molesting a female journalist and assaulting her colleague during the Ganpati Visarjan procession at Budhwar Chowk. The incident occurred around 8 pm on Saturday when the journalist, working with a Pune-based news portal, was covering the immersion procession.
According to police, the arrested accused have been identified as Chirag Naresh Kirad (24), a resident of Camp, and Anuj Baban Navgire (34), a resident of Mangalwar Peth. The journalist alleged that members of the Trital Dhol Tasha Pathak touched her inappropriately, while her colleague was slapped when he tried to intervene.
The victim approached Faraskhana Police Station the same night and later lodged a formal complaint. A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 74, 75(1), and 352.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from the media fraternity. On Monday, the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) met Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, demanding strict action against the dhol tasha group. Members also raised concerns over repeated incidents of misbehaviour with press photographers during immersion processions.
The accused have been taken into custody and the matter is under investigation. Further action will be taken accordingly.
