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2d ago

Pune Police File FIR Over Alleged Assault on Reporters at Ganesh Visarjan

Investigators move to identify dhol-tasha volunteers after multiple complaints from the press at this year's procession.

The devotion was there, but the arrogance shown by some pathak volunteers spoiled the spirit. Children and elderly people were treated as obstacles, not devotees. (MAHENDRA KOLHE/ HT)
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Overview

  • Faraskhana police registered an FIR late Sunday against two unidentified dhol-tasha troupe members after intern reporters from Punekar News alleged assault near Budhwar Chowk.
  • The complaint says a Trital Dhol Tasha Pathak member rolled a trolley wheel over the female reporter’s foot, pushed and touched her inappropriately, and that her colleague was shoved as another volunteer hurled abuses and threats.
  • Police booked the case under BNS Sections 74, 75(1), 352, and 3(5), assigned PSI Punam Patil to investigate, and are reviewing video to trace the suspects.
  • Separate incidents reported at other immersion points included photographers being manhandled, prompting media bodies to demand protection and Deputy Speaker Neelam Gorhe to seek an explanation from police.
  • Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed receipt of complaints, promised strict action, and said SOPs for dhol-tasha pathaks will be drafted for next year after a procession that lasted about 32.26 hours with reports of rule-breaking and injuries.