Case against 2 for beaming high-intensity lights at fan park event in Kolhapur

Kolhapur: The police have registered a case against two people, including an event organiser and a lighting contractor, for using high-intensity “sharpy” lights during a live IPL screening event at the Merry Weather Ground in Kasba Bawda, allegedly causing public nuisance and safety risks.

The action follows complaints from local residents around pm on Saturday that powerful beam lights were being flashed across the venue, inconveniencing residents and motorists. Inspector Santosh Doke visited the spot, warned the organisers, and later seized the lights after the directions were ignored.

The ‘fan park’ event organised by the Kolhapur District Cricket Association, featured live telecast of IPL matches on a big screen. The police had granted permission subject to strict adherence to sound and lighting norms.

Detailing the violation, Doke said, “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, “The organisers and those managing the lights were instructed to switch off the lights. However, as they willfully ignored this. The ‘sharpy/beam’ lights in use were seized, and a case has been registered against the organiser Madan Shelke, resident of Kolhapur, and lights owner Vijayaraj Bapanpalli, resident of Hubli-Dharwad at Shahupuri Police.”A case has been registered against the duo under Sections 223 and 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).