Pune Policeman Suspended for Inaction During ABVP, BJYM Protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University

A Pune policeman was suspended for failing to act when ABVP and BJYM members protested at Savitribai Phule Pune University, damaging a notice board and throwing ink.

A sub-inspector rank policeman has been suspended in Pune, India, for failing to act when members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) threw ink and damaged a notice board at the Lalit Kala Kendra on the premises of Savitribai Phule Pune University.

ABVP Complaint Leads to Arrests

The incident occurred on Saturday evening, following a complaint by the ABVP, a student organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A professor and five students were arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by staging a play concerning Ramleela that reportedly contained objectionable dialogues and scenes.

Police Inaction Leads to Suspension

On Saturday evening, members of the ABVP and BJYM entered the premises of the Lalit Kala Kendra, raising slogans and damaging a notice board by throwing ink on it. Despite being deployed at the scene, PSI Sachin Gandekar, attached to the Chaturshringi police station, failed to take any action to control the situation.

The senior police official stated that Gandekar's inaction amounted to dereliction of duty, and he was subsequently suspended for his failure to act.

Controversial Play at the Center of the Conflict

The play in question, performed by the Lalit Kala Kendra, officially known as the Centre for Performing Arts, was based on the backstage banter of actors who perform various roles in Ramleela. According to the first information report (FIR) filed against the professor and students, a male artist portraying Sita was shown smoking a cigarette and using abusive language.

The FIR further states that when ABVP members objected to the play and attempted to stop the performance, the artists heckled and assaulted them.

The suspension of the policeman highlights the importance of prompt action by law enforcement officials in maintaining order and preventing potential conflicts. The incident also underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments in India and the need for responsible artistic expression.