Vidyanand Bapat Assault Video: Activist Attacked During TV Interview Over Pune Ganeshotsav 2026 DJ Ban
Vidyanand Bapat was attacked while speaking to TV9 Marathi about his stand on DJ noise and noise pollution during Ganeshotsav in Pune. The assault took place on Tilak Road and was captured on camera. Bapat said he had filed a police complaint, while Pune Police took the attacker into custody. Congress leader Prashant Jagtap also reacted to the incident.
Social activist Vidyanand Bapat was attacked while speaking to TV9 Marathi about his stand on DJ noise and noise pollution during Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune on Thursday, September 3. The incident took place in the Tilak Road area and was captured on camera, with people at the spot intervening to stop the attacker.
Vidyanand Bapat had recently drawn attention for opposing excessive noise during Ganeshotsav celebrations while maintaining that festivals could be celebrated without causing inconvenience to the public or obstructing traffic. The assault occurred as he was explaining his position during a media interaction. Why Pune Residents Are Taking to Streets To Demand Ban on DJs During Ganeshotsav 2026.
Vidyanand Bapat Attacked During TV Interview
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 shouldnât invite a mob. pic.twitter.com/x3CxMKB0vU
â Varad Bhatkhande | Journalist (@VaradBhatkhande) September 3, 2026
Vidyanand Bapat Attacked During TV Interview
According to the account of the incident, Bapat was speaking to TV9 Marathi about the ongoing controversy over the DJ ban and noise pollution during Ganeshotsav when a young man suddenly approached him and assaulted him. Some people at the spot intervened and stopped the attacker.
The entire incident was recorded on camera, and footage of the assault subsequently circulated. Bapat later spoke to the media about what had happened.
Bapat Says He Has Filed Police Complaint
Reacting to the assault, Bapat alleged that the attacker targeted him because he was unarmed and there were no armed police officers nearby. Bapat said the attack appeared to be aimed at gaining publicity and referred to the availability of video footage of the incident.
Asked whether he would file a police complaint, Bapat said, "Yes, I have filed a police complaint. So they have come." He also maintained that the assault would not change his position on noise pollution during public celebrations.
âI Know That My Stand Is Rightâ
Bapat has become prominent on social media in recent days after giving interviews to various media outlets and web portals about the Ganeshotsav noise controversy. He has repeatedly said that his objection is not to the festival itself but to noise pollution and disruption caused to ordinary citizens.
After the attack, he reiterated his position, saying that he knew his stand was right and would continue to stand by it. Bapat also referred again to the Sanskrit proverb 'Ghatam Bhindyat Patam Chindyat Kuryad Gardbharohanam', which had previously become a subject of discussion following his media appearances.
Describing the attacker, Bapat said that a person suddenly came and assaulted him while he was answering questions. He alleged that the attacker acted for publicity and said police should examine the available video footage.
Bapat further said, "Take him to the police station and crush him. That means he will understand that the issue should not be answered with a punchline. He will not understand by telling him directly. What will you argue with him, can you argue with a zombie?" He added that his position remained focused on ensuring that public celebrations do not create noise pollution or obstruct traffic.
Congress leader Prashant Jagtap also reacted to the incident. Jagtap said, âWith the support of the ruling elite, some people have reached the point of direct assault.. This is an example of how BJP's tyranny has increased in PuneâŚ.â His remarks came after the assault on Bapat during the media interaction.
Pune Police has taken the attacker into custody following the incident, and further investigation is underway. The identity of the person who allegedly assaulted Bapat and the motive behind the attack have not yet been established, according to the information available. Police are expected to examine the video footage and other available evidence as part of the investigation.
The assault comes amid a wider debate in Pune over the use of DJs and noise levels during Ganeshotsav celebrations. Bapat has argued that celebrations should be allowed but should not inconvenience the public through excessive noise or create problems for traffic movement. The incident has now added a criminal investigation to an already contentious public debate. The police inquiry will determine the circumstances of the assault and what action is warranted against the person detained.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2026 03:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
