Citing Land Dispute, Hindu Villagers Assault Muslims During Ramzan Iftar Gathering Near Bopdeo Ghat in Pune; FIR Registered.

Sumedha Punalekar | HENB | Pune | March 125, 2026:: A group of Muslim youths who had gathered to break their Ramzan fast were allegedly attacked by a large mob near Bhiwari ahead of Bopdeo Ghat in Pune district on Friday evening, police said. The incident has triggered tensions in the area, with community members raising competing claims over the ownership and use of the land where the gathering took place.

According to police, fourteen people from the Muslim community had assembled at an open spot near a pond in the Bopdeo Ghat dam area for iftar, the evening meal used to break the day-long fast during Ramzan. A group of men reportedly approached them and objected to their presence at the location, leading to a confrontation that later escalated into violence.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of Pune (Rural) Sandeep Singh confirmed that a case has been registered and that an investigation is underway. “An FIR was lodged at the Saswad police station, and further inquiry is in progress,” he said.

According to one of the victims, the place had been used by members of the Muslim community for iftar gatherings and Eid prayers for the past 5-6 years.

“Some Muslim youths had gathered near the pond to have an iftar meal when a large group of men arrived and questioned why we were there and whether the land belonged to us,” one of the victims said. “Before we could respond, the mob allegedly surrounded us and began assaulting us with sticks and iron rods.”

Abrar Khan, another victim, claimed that the group was heavily outnumbered. “There were 14 of us and nearly 200 men surrounded us. They removed our caps and assaulted us. We were later told that any display of Muslim identity in the area was not allowed,” he alleged. Khan also claimed that the police took several hours to register their complaint. “We waited nearly five hours before action was taken. It is a public place that belongs to all citizens,” he said.

A video of the alleged attack later surfaced on social media and began circulating widely.

Police said a case has been registered against 100 to 150 unidentified persons under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—including 118(1), 189(2), 190, 191(2), 191(3), 351(2), 351(3), and 352—as well as provisions of the Indian Arms Act.

Following the incident, several people from Kondhwa gathered outside the Saswad police station and staged a protest, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack.

Social activist and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) leader Taj Siddiqui alleged that the assault was pre-planned. “According to our information, the accused came together from nearby villages and carried out a planned attack on youths who had gathered to break their Ramzan fast. The victims sustained serious head injuries and were mercilessly beaten. We want all the accused to be arrested,” Siddiqui said. He also alleged that police were initially reluctant to register a case.

However, some local Hindu residents presented a different account of the incident. According to them, the land where the gathering took place belongs to members of the local Hindu community, and they alleged that the group had assembled there without permission. Some residents claimed that the presence of Muslim groups at the location in recent years was part of an attempt to gradually assert control over the land, a phenomenon they described as “land jihad.” These residents alleged that such gatherings were intended to create a claim over the property, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

Local Hindu residents also objected to the involvement of SDPI in the matter, alleging that the organization has attempted to expand its activities in predominantly Hindu areas. Critics have linked SDPI to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI)—an allegation the party has repeatedly denied.

Meanwhile, community leaders said that a delegation comprising community members and representatives of interfaith groups plans to meet the Pune (Rural) Superintendent of Police to discuss the matter and seek a fair investigation.

Police officials said they are examining video footage and witness statements to identify those involved in the alleged assault and determine the circumstances surrounding the dispute over the land. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
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_Agency Inputs.