Maharashtra Police denies allegations of lathi-charge on Pilgrims in Pune

The Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner denied reports of Warkaris, or devotees of Lord Vitthal, being attacked with a lathi after reports of alleged tension between the police and pilgrims during an annual palanquin departure ceremony in Alandi town of Maharashtra’s Pune on Sunday. He claimed that there had only been a minor altercation.

During a ceremonial parade, worshippers attempted to enter Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s temple in Alandi, which is where the incident occurred. Devotees from throughout the state and abroad joined the march, which started on Sunday morning from Alandi.

Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey said in a statement, “There was no lathi charge during the procession of the Palkhi only a minor altercation took place today at Alandi.”

He said that there was overcrowding during the last year’s procession, and in view of the same, they had decided to limit the number of visitors this time.

“Last year, several injuries were caused due to the overcrowding during the annual Pilgrimage. Therefore, this year the Principal District Judge, Charity Commissioner and the heads of various temples decided to limit the number to 75 people to allow them to enter each Palkhi. The decision was also communicated to the various chiefs of the groups who take part in the Palkhi,” he said.

The Commissioner added, “However, some local youngsters attempted to forcibly enter the Palkhi, leading to an altercation with the police. No lathi charge or force was used by the police against them. I appeal to everyone to cooperate and maintain Maharashtra’s rich tradition of peaceful Palkhis.”