Communal violence erupts in Pune’s Yavat village after WhatsApp post, over 500 booked with several arrested

Communal violence broke out in Yavat village of Pune’s Daund tehsil on Aug  1, following the circulation of an allegedly objectionable WhatsApp post by a youth believed to be from a different community.

The message reportedly offended local residents and sparked a coordinated mob response, leading to the vandalism and burning of a motorcycle, two cars, a bakery, a religious structure and at least one home. Police responded with tear-gas shells and lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

Pune Rural Police registered five FIRs linked to the incident — including one against the youth who uploaded the post, booked for hurting religious sentiments — and four additional cases for rioting, arson, communal tension and unlawful assembly.

Authorities say over 500 individuals have been booked, and more than 100 persons have been identified, with 17 arrested so far, including the original poster and 16 others implicated in property damage and incitement.

Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill clarified that the youth who reportedly shared the post is a daily wage labourer from Nanded now residing in Daund, and acted without apparent conspiracy.

He stressed the preliminary probe shows no planned coordination behind the violence, though a full inquiry is ongoing.

A 48-hour prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS/Section 144 BNS has been clamped across Yavat. Internet services were suspended to stem further spread of rumors.

Approximately 200 police personnel, including units from the State Reserve Police Force and riot squads, were deployed; officials also conducted route marches and held community meetings to reassure residents and prevent flare-ups.

Yavat had already been under tension after the alleged desecration of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at a local temple on July 26, which had sparked earlier protests, making the atmosphere volatile even before Friday’s incident.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and other officials visited the site, urging calm and warning against the misuse of social media.

While no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported, the incident underscores the potential for rapidly spreading social media content—especially on platforms like WhatsApp—to fuel communal tensions in rural areas.

The police report that investigations remain active, with CCTV footage and witness testimony being used to identify additional suspects.