Two factions clash in premises of Bhimashankar temple; FIR registered against 36

By: Pune Pulse

October 18, 2023 

Pune: A clash erupted between two factions of the Gurav community at the Bhimashankar temple in Pune district. The dispute arose from conflicting claims over the right to worship. An FIR has been registered against 36 individuals in this case.

As per the information received, Shankar Gangaram Koudre, a 65-year-old resident of Kharoshi in Khed, filed a complaint with the Khed police station. Consequently, an FIR has been registered against 21 individuals affiliated with one group. Additionally, the police have registered an FIR against 15 members of the opposing group based on a complaint lodged by Goraksha Yashwant Kaudre, a 40-year-old resident of Bhimashankar in Khed. In total, 36 individuals from both factions have been booked at the Khed police station.

According to the police, devotees were queuing up to offer prayers at the Bhimashankar temple on Monday afternoon. A dispute arose between the two factions regarding worship at the Bhimashankar temple sanctum and the nearby Shani temple. However, the dispute escalated to the point of physical assault. A group of individuals attempted to seize control of the area by forcibly removing the priests who were conducting the puja. They injured each other using sticks, iron pipes, and chairs, etc.

Following complaints from both factions, an FIR was registered against the 36 individuals. Further investigation into the matter is on.

Madhupriya Dhanwate