Protest Ban Imposed Near Navale Bridge; Strict Action Warned Against Traffic Blockers

Pune Police have banned protests near Navale Bridge after recent traffic disruption during agitation. Authorities warn strict action against road blockades to ensure public safety and uninterrupted highway movement.

Pune | 05 May 2026: Pune Police have imposed a ban on any form of protest, road blockade, or crowd gathering that disrupts traffic movement in the Navale Bridge area, citing repeated incidents of severe congestion and public inconvenience. The order follows directions issued by Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, who stated that strict action will be taken against individuals or groups attempting to obstruct vehicular movement in the sensitive stretch.

The decision comes in the aftermath of a large-scale protest triggered by a criminal incident in Narsapur involving the sexual assault and murder of a minor. Following the incident, a significant number of citizens gathered at Navale Bridge to express their anger and demand justice. However, the protest led to a complete halt of traffic on the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway, one of the busiest arterial routes passing through Pune.

During the agitation, ambulances and emergency vehicles were reportedly stuck, while thousands of commuters, including office-goers, patients, and long-distance travellers, remained stranded for several hours. Police personnel attempted to persuade protesters to shift the demonstration to a designated area, but traffic remained blocked for an extended period, intensifying public hardship.

Authorities noted that Navale Bridge is already a highly sensitive traffic zone, where even brief disruptions lead to long vehicle queues and ripple effects across the city’s transport network. Officials stated that maintaining smooth traffic flow in this corridor is essential due to its strategic importance on the national highway network.The police commissioner emphasised that while citizens have the right to express their grievances, such actions cannot come at the cost of public safety and emergency services. The new directive aims to prevent recurrence of similar situations and ensure that essential movement is not hampered in future incidents.

The order makes it clear that any attempt to organise protests or obstruct traffic in the Navale Bridge vicinity will invite strict legal action under applicable provisions. Police authorities have also indicated that additional monitoring measures may be implemented in the area to prevent sudden gatherings and maintain law and order.

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