Pune, India — Communal tensions escalated in the Yavat region of Pune district on Friday after a large group allegedly affiliated with Hindutva organizations vandalized a mosque, hurled stones, and hoisted a saffron flag on its minaret. The incident, which occurred in Sahakarnagar village of Daund taluka, triggered unrest and a heavy police response, reported the Times of India.
According to authorities, the violence was sparked by a provocative social media post made by a 20-year-old youth from Nanded, currently residing in the area. The post went viral, leading to violent confrontations between two community groups.
Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of individuals stormed the mosque premises, damaging property and chanting provocative slogans. The group then entered the mosque and raised a saffron flag atop its minaret, an act that has further inflamed tensions in the region.
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows individuals cheering after hoisting the flag. Members of the Muslim community staged protests, demanding immediate action, which prompted additional security deployment.
The Pune Rural Police have registered five First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the incident, covering charges including rioting, arson, vandalism, and unlawful assembly. A total of 16 individuals have been arrested so far — 15 from both community groups for involvement in the violence, and the youth responsible for the social media post.
Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed the arrests and stated, “We have conducted detailed analysis of CCTV footage, spoken to witnesses, and identified at least 35 to 40 individuals involved. More arrests are expected.”
To restore order, police had to resort to aerial firing and tear gas shelling. A motorcycle, two cars, a bakery, a house, and a religious structure were reportedly damaged during the chaos.
In anticipation of further unrest, more than 200 police personnel, including a platoon of the State Reserve Police Force and riot control units, have been deployed across the region. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita remain in place, and are under review pending the situation.
Authorities have conducted flag marches and community outreach to restore calm in the affected areas. “We are holding peace meetings with residents and ensuring full control over the law and order situation,” Gill added.
This is not the first such incident in recent months. In July, a similar flag-hoisting incident occurred at an Eidgah in Haryana’s Nuh district, leading to prolonged tension and multiple arrests.
The Pune incident highlights the rising communal polarization and the dangerous role social media can play in inciting violence. Law enforcement agencies are now under pressure to act decisively to prevent further flare-ups and ensure justice for those affected.
