Tension escalated in the Keshav Nagar area of Mundhwa after a Shiv Mandir located within the Godrej Infinity Society was found vandalised, leaving residents shocked and outraged. The incident came to light on the morning of September 8 when devotees arrived for their daily puja and discovered the Shivling uprooted and discarded in a nearby garbage heap. Murtis of Gauri and Ganesh were also found desecrated.
Residents stated that the murtis had been installed during the auspicious month of Shravan and were regularly worshipped. The discovery of the vandalism deeply disturbed the society members. What further raised suspicion and anger was the fact that the society’s CCTV cameras were reportedly switched off during the time of the incident, leading residents to believe that the act may have been carried out by individuals from within the premises.
Shiv Mandir Vandalised in Pune's Mundhwa area. Shivling Thrown Away. Shocking Video. pic.twitter.com/V75gpyXTxa
— Maharashtra News (@MahaNews25) September 9, 2025
The incident was reported to the Mundhwa Police, with residents demanding strict action against those responsible. Authorities have since launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the culprits.
The Sakal Hindu Samaj, along with local devotees, strongly condemned the desecration, describing it as a disgraceful attack on religious sentiments. In response to the incident, a Maha Aarti was held at the Mandir premises on the evening of September 8, drawing hundreds of residents who came together to show solidarity and protest the act.
The managing committee of Godrej Infinity Co-operative Housing Society, in a notice, reminded residents that any future construction or installation in common areas must receive prior approval from the managing committee, the General Body, and relevant authorities. The society emphasised that any violations would be dealt with strictly and urged all members to cooperate in maintaining compliance and protecting shared spaces.
A Mundhwa police official stated that residents of the society were called in to gather more information and better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The desecration has sparked serious concerns about the safety of religious sites within gated communities and has reignited discussions on growing intolerance and the need for mutual respect for religious beliefs in urban settings.
