65-Year-Old Woman Dies During Ram Navami Procession; Family Blames Loud DJ Music in Pune

A 65-year-old woman collapses and dies during a loud Ram Navami procession in Hadapsar; family blames excessive DJ music and traffic delays for the tragedy.

Pune | 28 March, 2026: A 65-year-old woman suffered a fatal collapse during a Ram Navami procession in Hadapsar, with her family blaming loud DJ music and ensuing noise pollution for triggering her distress. The incident — which occurred on Friday evening around 8 pm in the Sasane Nagar area -has sparked public concern about the impact of high-decibel sound systems during religious celebrations and the enforcement of noise regulations.

The deceased has been identified as Ranjana Ravindra Jadhav, a resident of Lane No. 12, Sasane Nagar, and a retired employee of the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune. According to local residents, six mandals (community groups) were conducting processions along the main road with high-volume DJ music and loudspeakers to mark Ram Navami festivities. Jadhav reportedly stepped out of her house to watch the procession after completing household chores but soon began experiencing severe chest pain and collapsed on the road.

Family members allege that the extremely loud DJ systems contributed to her distress and eventual collapse, citing noise levels that made her uncomfortable and disoriented. Her cries for help initially went unnoticed due to the intense sound and crowd noise. Women accompanying her later realised she had collapsed and arranged an autorickshaw to rush her to the hospital. However, heavy traffic congestion caused by the procession delayed their journey, and doctors later declared her deceased upon arrival.

Her son, Saurabh Jadhav, expressed anger at the organisers and police presence, questioning why sound limits were not enforced despite restrictions on high-decibel equipment. “The music was unbearable,” he said, alleging that police failed to control the noise level even though officers were stationed nearby. Locals have since demanded stricter oversight of processions and stronger action against organisers who violate noise pollution norms.

Medical professionals in the area have warned that excessive noise — especially from loud DJ systems — can aggravate heart conditions and stress vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Experts note that sudden exposure to high-decibel environments can trigger adverse health episodes, including elevated blood pressure and cardiac distress.

The tragedy has reignited debate over the enforcement of noise pollution regulations during festivals and processions. Pune’s civic authorities and police had previously issued guidelines requiring permissions for loudspeakers and restrictions on DJ systems in public spaces — particularly near residential areas and hospitals — but residents claim such rules are often overlooked during large celebrations.

While the exact medical cause of Jadhav’s death is pending confirmation, her family insists that the noise and chaos of the procession played a significant role in her collapse. Police from the Kalepadal police station were reportedly present at the site, but attempts to reach Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil for an official comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Several local activists and residents have called for comprehensive measures to prevent similar tragedies, including strict enforcement of permitted sound levels, public awareness campaigns about noise pollution, and better crowd and traffic management during large gatherings. Many also argue that clear, enforceable guidelines and proper coordination between organisers and law enforcement are essential to ensure both cultural expression and public safety can coexist without harm.

In conclusion, the Ram Navami procession tragedy in Hadapsar has drawn attention to the serious health and safety implications of unregulated loud music in public events. As the community mourns the loss of Ranjana Jadhav, calls for stronger regulation of noise pollution and proactive enforcement of public safety norms are expected to gain renewed urgency across Pune.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune