Tension Rises in Pune After Mosque Demolitions, Fears Grow Over Further Arrests

Tensions remain high in parts of Pune after the demolition of several mosques in the Kudalwadi and Chikhli areas triggered unrest and clashes between residents and authorities. The situation has left many members of the local Muslim community worried about possible further arrests as police continue their investigation.

The demolished structures reportedly included Chishtiya Mosque, Abu Hurairah Mosque, Masjid Nayeem, Masjid Ali, and Khadija Mosque located in Kohinoor Colony, Kudalwadi. During the demolition operation, protests broke out and incidents of stone pelting were reported, prompting a large police response.

According to officials, 36 Muslim youths have already been arrested in connection with the violence. However, local residents, community representatives, and media reports suggest that many more individuals could face action as the investigation progresses. Reports circulating in the area have raised concerns that hundreds of additional youths may come under scrutiny.

Residents and social organizations claim that frequent police patrols and visits by intelligence personnel in Muslim majority neighborhoods have created an atmosphere of fear. Some families are reportedly avoiding public gatherings, while others are said to have temporarily moved to relatives’ homes or other locations due to concerns about possible arrests.

Social activist Dr. Saeed Ahsan Qadri expressed concern over the changing atmosphere in the locality. He said areas that were once active late into the night now appear unusually quiet. Qadri also questioned the timing of the demolition drive and asked why the operation was carried out at night if it was fully in line with legal procedures.

Shahabuddin Sheikh, a leader associated with the Muslim Jamaat in Pimpri, said community representatives have raised concerns with police officials regarding the possibility of further arrests. He noted that an important meeting with the Police Commissioner, originally expected to take place on Saturday, has been postponed until Monday. Some local leaders fear that additional police action could occur before the meeting takes place.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a court has temporarily stayed further demolition activity related to the dispute. The development has sparked debate over the legal and procedural aspects of the municipal action and whether all required processes were followed.

Speaking about the investigation, Chikhli Police Station Senior Inspector Vitthal Salunkhe said the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out. He explained that authorities are examining drone footage, CCTV recordings, and photographs collected from the scene to identify those allegedly involved in the stone pelting incident.

Salunkhe rejected allegations that police officers have been randomly knocking on doors during the night. He said the investigation is focused on identifying individuals directly involved in the violence as well as anyone who may have assisted them. He also stated that innocent citizens would not be targeted and that police action would be based on evidence gathered during the inquiry.

The incident has reignited discussions about community rights, public safety, and the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties. Human rights advocates have urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the investigation. Community leaders have also called for restraint and appealed for an impartial process to prevent unnecessary fear and maintain peace in the area.