Pune Police Puts Restrictions On Prayers and Gatherings in parts of Kasba Peth, Section 144 Imposed

Tensions have risen in Kasba Peth following a dispute over the unauthorized construction of Puneshwar Temple and Chhota Shaikh Salla Dargah. To maintain peace and order, the Joint Commissioner of Police has imposed Section 144 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, between Pawle Chowk and Kumbhar Ves Chowk.

In light of ongoing elections and potential unrest, Joint Commissioner of Police Praveen Pawar issued strict directives to curtail any activities that may incite communal discord or disrupt law and order in the area.

Under the imposed Section 144, individuals residing outside the specified locales including Pavle Chowk to Kumbhar Ves Chowk, Bhoi Galli, Kagdipura, Kumbharwada, Aloknagar Society, and Aggarwal Talim are barred from congregating for religious practices or any gathering exceeding five individuals, except for medical emergencies.

The police have identified the possibility of outsiders gathering in Kasba Peth with intentions to instigate unrest, propagate offensive messages, or incite communal tensions via social media. Hence, measures have been implemented to preemptively address any potential disturbances and maintain harmony within the community.

Furthermore, stringent regulations have been set to prevent any actions or statements that may hurt religious sentiments or provoke inter-group conflicts. Prohibition of rumor-mongering, dissemination of offensive content on social media, and unauthorized public gatherings or events without prior permission are among the stipulations enforced until April 10, 2024.

The authorities have emphasized that any violations of these directives will be met with legal action as per Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents while safeguarding communal harmony during this sensitive period in Kasba Peth.