Pune Police Charge Nearly 300 in Protest

In Pune, nearly 300 individuals have been charged following a protest that escalated into communal tensions due to the chanting of objectionable slogans, including 'Sar Tan Se Juda'. The protest, organized as a 'Sarvdharm Sambhav Mahamorcha', was a response to remarks made by religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj against Islam. Police reported that the gathering was held without permission and the slogans incited enmity between religious communities, leading to multiple cases filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act. Ramgiri Maharaj, who is facing allegations for his remarks, claimed his statements were aimed at advocating Hindu unity in light of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. The situation has prompted significant concern over communal harmony in the region, with police emphasizing the need for maintaining public peace.