Pune Police Intervene After MNS Students Trespass ABVP Office
Pune clash over boycott posters leads to FIR against MNS wing.
Police in Pune have registered a case against members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) students' wing following their alleged intrusion into the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) office in the Sadashiv Peth area on Monday afternoon. The incident arose from a dispute involving posters at Wadia College that called for a boycott of the MNS students' wing and referenced the ABVP.
According to police reports, the posters were displayed at various locations on the Wadia College campus, prompting the response from MNS members. An official from Pune police stated that the group entered the ABVP office and attempted to create a disturbance, including efforts to lock the premises. No injuries were reported, and the situation was brought under control by responding officers.
A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those for criminal trespass, rioting, and unlawful assembly. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage and collecting statements from witnesses to identify the involved individuals. At least 15 members of the MNS students' wing are named as accused in the FIR lodged at the Sadashiv Peth police station.
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An ABVP representative clarified that the posters were put up by an unidentified person using their organization's name without authorization. The group had attempted to resolve the matter through discussions with MNS members prior to the office intrusion. "We engaged in talks to address the issue, but the escalation occurred despite that," the ABVP member said.
This event highlights ongoing rivalries in Maharashtra's student politics, particularly between regional groups like MNS, which emphasizes Marathi identity, and national outfits like ABVP, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Similar incidents have occurred in Pune's educational institutions during election periods, often leading to heightened security measures.
Wadia College authorities have responded by increasing campus security and prohibiting unauthorized posters or political activities. The college, established in 1935 and known for its arts and science programs, has urged students to maintain decorum amid upcoming student council elections scheduled for next month.
Broader implications include potential disruptions to academic environments in Pune, a major education hub with over 500 colleges. Police have advised all student organizations to avoid confrontations and use official channels for grievances. Maharashtra's higher education department may issue guidelines to prevent such occurrences, following patterns from past clashes involving ABVP, MNS, and other groups like the National Students' Union of India (NSUI).
No arrests have been made yet, but the case could lead to charges if evidence confirms organized involvement. Social media videos of the incident have circulated, drawing public attention to campus safety concerns among parents and educators. Authorities emphasize that violations of law on college premises will face strict action to preserve institutional neutrality.
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