Pune activist campaigning against loud festival DJs slapped during media interview
Activist Vidyanand Bapat, who opposes high-volume DJs at festivals, was slapped by a man while speaking to reporters on Tilak Road in Pune.
Vidyanand Bapat, a local activist known for lobbying against loudspeakers and high-decibel DJ systems at festivals, was assaulted on Thursday morning in Pune. A video shows a man slapping him as he addressed media personnel on Tilak Road. Police responded promptly, detained Bapat in a police van for his safety, and began efforts to locate the attacker.
The motive behind the assault remains unclear. Bapat's campaign has gained traction statewide, arguing that excessive noise harms residents' health and well-being. He first attracted attention after demanding a total ban on amplified DJ music at a Pune Municipal Corporation preparatory meeting for the upcoming Ganesh festival, which led to a heated clash with representatives of local Ganesh mandals and his removal from the venue. The incident has further amplified his cause and sparked public debate.
Why it matters
The attack highlights tensions over noise pollution and civic activism during major cultural festivals in Indian cities.
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