CLASH BETWEEN POLICE AND DEVOTEES IN PUNE, MAHARASHTRA; ALLEGATIONS OF BATON CHARGE DENIED BY COMMISSIONER

Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey stated that some local youths attempted to forcefully enter the procession of the religious palanquin. However, the police denied using baton charge or force against them.

Pune: Tension flared up in Pune, Maharashtra, as a clash erupted between the police and devotees during a religious procession. Allegations of the police resorting to baton charge were made by some individuals, but the Commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, Vinay Kumar Choubey, denied these claims.

The incident occurred when a procession of devotees was moving through the streets of Pune as part of a religious festival. A group of local youths attempted to forcibly join the procession, which led to a heated argument between them and the police. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in a brief clash between the two parties.

According to Commissioner Choubey, the police officers present at the scene successfully diffused the situation without resorting to any baton charge or use of force. He stated, "Some local youths tried to enter the procession forcefully, which led to a verbal confrontation with the police. However, we managed to resolve the situation amicably without resorting to any lathi charge or use of force."

The police officers present at the scene managed to contain the situation and bring it under control within a short period. They used their negotiation skills to calm down the agitated youths and convinced them to leave the procession peacefully. No injuries were reported during the incident, and normalcy was restored in the area.

Commissioner Choubey emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during religious processions and urged the public to cooperate with the police to ensure peaceful celebrations. He added, "We respect everyone's religious sentiments and are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for such processions. We urge the public to maintain peace and follow the guidelines set by the authorities."

The police have also initiated an inquiry into the incident to ascertain the sequence of events and identify any individuals who may have been responsible for instigating the clash. Commissioner Choubey assured that appropriate action would be taken against those found guilty of disrupting the peace.

Meanwhile, leaders from various religious and community organizations have come forward to appeal for calm and harmony. They have urged the people to exercise restraint and not let such incidents disrupt the communal harmony of the region.

As the investigation continues, the local administration and the police have increased security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of upcoming religious processions in the area. They have also deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

The clash between the police and devotees in Pune serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining the peace and security during large-scale religious gatherings. It highlights the importance of effective communication and cooperation between the authorities and the public to ensure smooth celebrations and avoid any untoward incidents.