Congress workers detained in Pune ahead of Shah, Doval visit

Police detained office-bearers of the Maharashtra Youth Congress and Pune City Congress from their residences shortly after midnight on August 1. The action preceded the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to the city.

The detentions took place on the day of the visit. Police personnel reached the residences of the office-bearers around midnight. The individuals were taken into custody. The police described the action as a preventive measure. The measure was intended to maintain order during the visit of the Union Home Minister and the National Security Advisor.

Mr. Shah arrived in Pune on Thursday (July 30, 2026) night for a two-day visit. He presented the Lokmanya Tilak Memorial National Award to Mr. Doval at a function on Friday (July 31). The day marked the death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the birth anniversary of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe. The state held programmes to commemorate these occasions. Mr. Shah paid floral tribute at the memorial of Annabhau Sathe after the award ceremony.

The Maharashtra Youth Congress stated that the leaders were held in police custody for nearly 16 hours. The organisation also alleged that police took possession of their mobile phones during this period.

The Youth Congress condemned the action. The organisation stated that peaceful protest and dissent are rights protected under the constitution. The detention of political workers before a demonstration, the duration of custody, and the seizure of mobile phones raised concerns regarding democratic freedoms.