In Yavat, Pune, communal tensions flared following an offensive WhatsApp post, leading to violent clashes, multiple arrests, and a heavy police presence. As of August 3, 2025, authorities have arrested at least 15 people and registered FIRs against over 500 individuals in connection with the unrest.
The trouble began when a local youth shared a WhatsApp status that some villagers found objectionable. The content of the post concerned an alleged rape incident in Madhya Pradesh and included a collage of a symbolic photo of a child and an image of a police station from MP with a red background. The youth wrote a caption referring to the incident and questioning certain religious figures. This post quickly went viral, sparking heated arguments between members of different communities.
The situation escalated rapidly, with an angry mob taking to the streets and engaging in violent protests. Reports indicate that the mob set vehicles on fire and vandalized both public and private property. A motorcycle, two cars, a bakery, and a religious structure were among the properties damaged during the clashes. In response to the escalating violence, Yavat police resorted to tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control.
In the aftermath of the violence, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in the area to prevent further flare-ups. Senior Inspector Narayan Deshmukh of Yavat police station confirmed that 15 people have been arrested and remanded to police custody until August 6. Police have filed five cases related to the violence. Four of these FIRs pertain to acts of arson and vandalism, naming over 500 individuals, with more than 100 already identified through CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The youth who posted the controversial WhatsApp status has also been arrested.
Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural), Sandeep Singh Gill, addressed the media, stating that the preliminary investigation does not suggest a pre-planned conspiracy. However, a full inquiry is underway to investigate the incident from all angles. Gill noted that the individual whose post triggered the unrest is a long-time resident of the village.
The incident has prompted reactions from high-ranking officials. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned those deliberately trying to incite conflict and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for spreading inflammatory content and engaging in violence. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the site and appealed for calm, urging citizens to maintain peace and harmony and not fall for rumors. Pawar also mentioned that the person who posted the status came from Nanded several years ago and works as a daily wage laborer.
Authorities have deployed significant police forces, including three platoons of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), to maintain law and order in Yavat. Senior officials, including Sunil Phulari, IG Kolhapur range, and Sandip Singh Gill, Superintendent of Pune rural police, have visited the affected areas and are closely monitoring the situation. SP Sandeep Singh Gill stated that the police responded quickly to control the violence and that the situation is now under control.
