The Kolhapur police have registered a case against two individuals, including an event organiser and a lighting contractor, for using high-intensity sharpy lights during a live Indian Premier League (IPL) screening event at the Merry Weather Ground in Kasba Bawda. The lights allegedly caused public nuisance and posed safety risks to residents and motorists.
Complaints from Residents
The action was taken following complaints from local residents around 9 pm on Saturday. They reported that powerful beam lights were being flashed across the venue, causing inconvenience to residents and drivers. Inspector Santosh Doke visited the spot, warned the organisers, and later seized the lights after his directions were ignored.
Details of the Event
The fan park event was organised by the Kolhapur District Cricket Association and featured a live telecast of IPL matches on a big screen. The police had granted permission for the event, subject to strict adherence to sound and lighting norms.
Inspector Doke stated, "Since these lights were being used continuously in a flashing manner in the dark, it appeared that they could cause inconvenience, disturbance, and a potential risk of accidents to residents, spectators, and vehicle drivers travelling on the road. It was also found that public peace and order were being disturbed and public nuisance was being caused." He added that the organisers and those managing the lights were instructed to switch them off, but they willfully ignored the order. Consequently, the sharpy or beam lights were seized, and a case was registered against organiser Madan Shelke, a resident of Kolhapur, and light owner Vijayaraj Bapanpalli, a resident of Hubli-Dharwad, at Shahupuri Police Station.
Legal Action
A case has been registered against the duo under Sections 223 and 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police have emphasised that such violations will not be tolerated and that public safety is of paramount importance.
