The alleged assault was captured on footage during Bapat’s TV9 Marathi interview. Bapat said the incident occurred while he was collecting public views on noise pollution during the festival.
JUST IN: Footage shows Vidyanand Bapat being slapped while giving a byte to TV9 Marathi in Pune earlier today. A man approached and allegedly hit Bapat as he spoke to the channel, after which others joined in. Raising your voice on civic issues shouldn’t invite a mob. pic.twitter.com/x3CxMKB0vU
— Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) September 3, 2026
According to Bapat, police were absent at the location when the alleged assault took place. He has opposed loud DJ music during Ganeshotsav, stating that excessive festival noise can harm residents’ health.
The incident has highlighted continuing tensions in Pune over noise pollution caused by festival sound systems. It has also led to calls for police action and raised concerns over intolerance toward activists opposing excessive noise.
The alleged assault on Bapat has brought renewed attention to the dispute over festival noise and the challenges faced by those seeking public opinion on the issue.
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