PUNE: Protests Erupt in Paud After Idol Desecration at Temple; Father-Son Duo Arrested
Pune, May 4: Tensions flared in Paud village of Pune district on Saturday as residents took out a protest march condemning the alleged desecration of the idol of Goddess Annapurna at the Nageshwar Temple. The incident, involving a Muslim youth, has sparked widespread outrage. Protesters were heard chanting slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Pakistan Murdabad” during the march, demanding strict action against the accused.
In connection with the incident, a man and his son have been arrested by Pune Rural Police. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sunil Pujari from the Haveli Division confirmed the arrests, identifying the father as Naushad Shaikh. The age of the son is yet to be determined.
A case has been registered at the Paud police station under several serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 196, 298, 299, 302, 351(2), and 3(5), which pertain to promoting enmity between communities and hurting religious sentiments, among other charges.
“The investigation is ongoing, and additional personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain peace and law and order,” DSP Pujari stated.
Despite the volatile atmosphere, police officials confirmed that the situation in the village remains under control, with heightened security in place. Local religious leaders and villagers have demanded strict punishment for those responsible and urged for communal harmony to be maintained.
