A tense situation unfolded in Yavat village of Daund Taluka, Pune district, after an allegedly objectionable social media post triggered communal unrest. The post, believed to have been shared by an outsider, sparked outrage, prompting villagers to take to the streets, with some individuals reportedly attempting to vandalise a local structure.
In response, heavy police deployment was made in the area to control the situation. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred a week ago, and tensions had already been simmering before Friday’s flare-up. Authorities were compelled to conduct a lathi-charge to disperse the agitated crowd.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media on Friday, urging citizens to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.
“Some people deliberately post such statuses to create tension, but strict action will definitely be taken against them,” Fadnavis stated. He emphasized that no one has the right to insult any religion, and dismissed suggestions that the unrest was linked to any recent public gathering.
“At present, the area is entirely peaceful,” he assured. “People from both communities are sitting together, discussing, and attempting to resolve the tension peacefully.”
In the aftermath of the violence, a bakery owned by local resident Swapnil Adinath Kadam was vandalised and set on fire. Speaking to reporters, Kadam clarified that the bakery belonged to his family, not to any of the Muslim workers employed there.
“Someone wrongly claimed the bakery was Muslim-owned and incited violence. They pelted stones, ripped off the tin roof, and threw inflammable material inside. Our entire bakery has burned down,” he said. Kadam stressed that none of his employees were linked to the controversial post.
The police have initiated a probe into the source of the social media post and are also examining video clips circulating online, amid concerns about doctored content being used to inflame tensions.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while investigating the origin and intent behind the provocative material.
