A poster featuring Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prominent religious leader Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was removed from the Loni Kalbhor area near Pune on Monday after objections were raised by local activists and journalists, according to senior police officials.
The banner had been displayed by members of the Irani community at the entrance of a lane in Irani Vasti on the occasion of Moharram, a significant month of mourning in the Islamic calendar.
After the matter came to light, local Bajrang Dal activists and journalists raised concerns around 1:00 PM on Monday, questioning whether the display was an attempt to glorify foreign leaders, particularly the President of Iran.
In response, Police Sub-Inspector Rajesh Khande of Loni Kalbhor Police Station, along with PSI Jadhav and Police Constable Ravi Aher, promptly visited the scene. After contacting Gram Panchayat officials, it was confirmed that the banner had been put up without prior permission.
Authorities took swift action, and the banner — which did not contain any objectionable content, as confirmed by police — was immediately removed.
“These posters were put up without obtaining any permission from the local gram panchayat. A notice has been issued to the concerned parties by the panchayat, and police have instructed that no such flags or banners should be displayed,” said Dr. Rajkumar Shinde, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5).
The police emphasized that no law and order situation arose during the incident and that the atmosphere remained peaceful. No further complaints were reported following the removal of the banner.
The event underscores the sensitive balance between religious expression and public sentiment, especially during significant observances like Moharram.