Nagpur: A Dahi Handi celebration at Chhota Tajbagh Square has led to a police case against 13 BJP workers and others after organisers allegedly violated noise pollution norms and continued playing loud DJ music beyond the permitted time.
The event was held on Sunday evening and was organised by BJP Yuva Morcha leaders and workers. BJP MLA Mohan Mate is understood to have been closely associated with the programme.
Ahead of the celebrations, Nagpur Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil had prohibited the use of beam and laser lights and directed police to strictly enforce noise pollution regulations.
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Despite the restrictions, loud DJ music was allegedly played at the venue. Police officials reportedly asked the organisers and the sound system operator to lower the volume.
According to the police, MLA Mohan Mate then made an announcement over the microphone, asking police personnel not to approach the stage or interfere with the DJ system. He allegedly stated that the volume would not be reduced.
Sound levels crossed 100 decibels
Police reportedly checked the sound levels three times during the event. On two occasions, the recorded noise level was allegedly above 100 decibels.
The organisers had permission to operate the sound system only until 10 pm. However, the DJ allegedly continued playing until around 10.30 pm. Police said the organisers also argued with personnel when they were asked to shut down the sound system.
A case was registered on Tuesday, two days after the event, based on a complaint filed by Police Sub-Inspector Sachin Phunde.
Cases registered under multiple laws
The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Maharashtra Police Act and Environment Protection Act.
Those named include BJP Yuva Morcha members Kuldeep Mate, Arpit Malghate, Ketan Sathvane, Akshay Kharabe, Uday Dhomne, Rajesh Kale, Vijay Thakur, Ankush Bhure, Aryan Palandurkar, Suraj Bansod, Chetan Rathod and Aniket Sable, among others.
A large crowd, particularly youngsters, had gathered for the Dahi Handi celebration. Police personnel had been deployed at the venue to maintain security and manage the crowd.
The case has once again brought the enforcement of noise pollution restrictions during public and religious celebrations in Nagpur into focus.
