Authorities are investigating a cultural event held at a government-operated boys’ hostel in Pune, where students allegedly performed a dance to a song that praises a prominent Maoist figure, Madvi Hidma. This event took place at the Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Government Hostel in Vishrantwadi, and footage showed students dancing to “O Re Bandook Wale,” a song believed to glorify Hidma, who was killed by security forces in Andhra Pradesh on November 18, 2025.
On Monday, law enforcement officials visited the hostel, which is managed by the state’s social justice and special assistance department, to gather details about the students involved. Additionally, representatives from the Social Welfare Department reached out to those who participated in the performance.
As part of a series of activities commemorating Dr. Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary, which included sports and cultural programs scheduled from April 6 to April 14, students organized a cultural gathering over the weekend where they performed the dance. Assistant Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department, Vishal Londhe, stated, “We are discussing with the students to comprehend their reasons for selecting this particular song. Initially, we believe their intent was innocent. The Vishrantwadi hostel accommodates approximately 1,000 boys, with 85% from scheduled caste backgrounds and the remaining 15% from other communities.”
Among the eleven students who performed, many are from tribal backgrounds, including several from Gadchiroli district. The students were not available for direct comments.
During the investigation, the students explained to police that they had remixed several songs, including the one referencing Hidma, which they found on social media. They performed the dance while donning attire inspired by tribal freedom fighters, Birsa Munda and Veer Baburao Shedmake. According to police sources, the students chose to incorporate the song about Hidma due to its popularity in the Vidarbha region and its appealing rhythm.
A police officer expressed concern over the popularity of a song that glorifies a notorious Naxal leader. “While the event’s theme was ‘Save Trees,’ the song focused on Maoist Hidma. Following his death last November, activists chanted slogans in his favor during a protest in Delhi against air pollution. While it is commendable to address environmental issues, lauding a violent Maoist leader responsible for numerous deaths is unacceptable,” the officer remarked.
Senior Police Inspector Mangesh Hande from Vishrantwadi police station confirmed, “We have reached out to both hostel authorities and the students. An inquiry is currently underway, and no formal charges have been filed.”
Sandip Patil, Inspector General of Police for Anti-Naxal Operations, stated, “We are actively investigating the situation.”
