Tension gripped Yavat village in Daund taluka, about 80 km from Pune, on Friday after an objectionable social media post sparked violent clashes between two groups.
According to the police, mobs vandalized property, set several vehicles on fire, and pelted stones at a religious site, forcing authorities to fire tear gas shells to control the situation.
The unrest followed a July 26 incident where a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Neelkantheshwar Temple in Yavat was tampered with. The youth accused of posting the objectionable message, identified as Syed, resides in Sahakar Nagar, Yavat. After the post went viral, local residents vandalised his house.
“The youth who posted the objectionable status has been identified as Syed and taken into custody,” Yavat Police Inspector Narayan Deshmukh confirmed.
Because of the situation, the weekly market in Yavat has been shut down, and heavy police deployment has been ordered in the area.
Chief Minister’s Response
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the issue in the Assembly, stating:
“The tension began after an outsider posted a status accusing a priest of rape, which incited unrest. Police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The situation is now under control, and both communities are in talks to restore peace. Those who deliberately create such unrest will face strict action,” he said.He also warned against misinformation:
“We need to verify whether the viral videos are from Yavat or elsewhere. Often, outside videos are circulated in such cases. I urge citizens to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.”
Local Leaders React
Daund MLA Rahul Kul said that tensions had been brewing for two to three days. “The administration has been in touch with all parties to resolve the matter. With the large crowds gathering, police presence has been intensified to maintain law and order,” he said.
NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad called the incident politically motivated:
“It is unfortunate to see caste-related tensions in areas that have never experienced such unrest. This is an attempt to disrupt Maharashtra’s peace for political gain, and it is condemnable. Leaders should work to ease tensions, not inflame them,” he stated.
Current Situation
Authorities say the situation in Yavat is now under control with significant police deployment. Both community representatives are holding peace talks, and the police have launched an investigation into the social media post and the viral videos linked to the violence.
