Action should be taken against those carrying out religious encroachment in Sarasbaug and those permitting it !

Demand by various Hindu organizations in Pune city

Pune, May 7^th – To curb religious encroachment in the Sarasbaug area, which is considered part of Pune city’s Hindu heritage, action should be taken against those carrying out such encroachments. A memorandum demanding action against officials who granted permission for religious encroachment in Sarasbaug was submitted on May 6th at the office of Pune Municipal Corporation Mayor Mrs. Manjusha Nagpure. Present on the occasion were H.B.P. Dattatray Chorge Maharaj of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, Shri. Sachin Ghule of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, Shri. Milind Ekbote, Working President of Samast Hindu Aghadi, Shri. Sagar Tupe of Tukai Tekdi Devasthan, Shri. Parag Gokhale, Pune District Coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, along with office-bearers of various Hindutva organizations.

The memorandum stated the following:

1. By allowing Muslims to gather in the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple area and offer namaz, which is a historic Hindu place of faith in Pune city, the administration is allegedly attempting to alter the religious character of the area.

2. During Eid celebrations in March 2026, a large crowd of Muslims had gathered in Sarasbaug. It was alleged that instead of preventing this, the administration even provided police protection for the gathering.

3. In the year 2025, due to tensions at the same location, the administration had kept Sarasbaug closed on the day of Eid. However, in March 2026, under whose pressure were concessions granted for religious activities in Sarasbaug? An inquiry should be conducted into this matter. This incident allegedly tramples upon the sentiments of the majority Hindu community.

4. Earlier too, incidents of offering namaz in the open and consuming non-vegetarian food in the garden premises had come to light in the Sarasbaug area. If ignored, there is a possibility of permanent encroachment in the future. The police and district administration would be entirely responsible for such a situation.

Other demands made by Hindu organizations through the memorandum:

1. Sarasbaug and the Shri Ganapati Temple are Peshwa-era heritage sites of Hindus. Since they are part of historic Hindu heritage, collective religious practices of non-Hindus should be permanently prohibited there.

2. Immediate inquiries should be conducted against those who permitted such activities at this sensitive location and those who carried out encroachments, and strict action should be taken against them.

3. The police and district administration should take appropriate precautions to ensure that such incidents do not recur during Bakri Eid on May 27^th.