Pune: A case has been registered against five to six unidentified individuals for offering Namaz in Pune's famous Saras Baug Ganpati Temple and garden premises. The incident occurred on May 5, 2022, between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, behind the Ganpati Temple located within the garden.

The complaint, lodged by Police Constable Sandeep Bhaskar Godse of Swargate Police Station, has led to the filing of charges against the unknown individuals. They are being charged under Indian Penal Code sections 295(A), 188, 143, and sections 37(1)(E) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

According to police reports, Saras Baug is a well-known public garden managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. On the evening of May 5, five to six unidentified individuals entered the garden and gathered on the lawn near the shed behind the Ganpati temple to offer Namaz. This action violated the orders of the Municipal Corporation's Chief Garden Superintendent and involved an unlawful assembly.

The police have filed the case after determining that such an act could hurt the sentiments of other communities and potentially create communal tension. Assistant Police Inspector Sande is leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Devotees from across Maharashtra visit the Ganpati temple at Saras Baug. However, tensions arose after the news spread about Namaz being offered near the temple.

The issue came to the fore after Hindu activist identified as Sangram (Akshay) Dhole Patil was booked for organizing an Aarti in front of the Ganpati idol at Saras Baug, Pune, drawing a crowd in the process. Sangram has been mandated to adhere to ten specific directives.

Former BJP National Secretary and RSS Pracharak Sunil Deodhar came out in support of Sangram Patil and urged CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to quash the FIR against him.