Pune: Following India's victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup, jubilant celebrations across various parts of the city prompted a crackdown by Vishrambaug Police on a man threatening celebrating citizens.
Identified as Sumant Kishor Parte (22 years old, currently residing near Shobha Towers, Pune Hospital, New Budhwar Peth), he allegedly instigated fear among citizens during celebrations in different areas of the city late Saturday night.
Reports indicate that Parte, dressed in khaki pants resembling a police officer, intimidated celebrants with a firearm-like object and verbally threatened young revelers. Social media circulated images of the incident, leading to public outcry and subsequent police intervention.
Citizens lodged complaints with the police, prompting an investigation that resulted in Parte's arrest. Further inquiries revealed that Parte posed as a police officer, and authorities seized his police-like attire, Central Industrial Security Force identification, and confiscated his police-style cap. Deputy Inspector More is overseeing the investigation into the incident.
Pune Police had remained passive observers amidst scenes of lawlessness and chaos that unfolded on city streets following Team India's T20 World Cup victory on Saturday night.
Thousands of jubilant supporters had flooded major roads close to midnight, transforming Pune especially areas like Fergusson College Road, Jangli Maharaj Road, NIBM Road, Sadashiv Peth, Camp, Yerawada, Hadapsar, Undri, Nigdi, Pimpri-Chinchwad into a hub of celebration.
Citizens set off firecrackers in the middle of streets, many rode triples on motorcycles waving flags and chanting slogans, dangerously clinging to windows, rooftops, and car hoods, jeopardizing their own safety and that of others.
Amid this tumult, police found themselves overwhelmed, standing by as the chaotic revelry persisted into early Sunday morning. Despite numerous traffic violations witnessed firsthand, law enforcement remained lax. Perturbed citizens questioned how such disorderly conduct was allowed to continue unchecked.