Woman blames loud DJ noise for father's death, says family forced to leave home

Ahead of the Ganesh festival, a debate has intensified in Maharashtra over the use of DJ systems, with political leaders taking opposing positions on the issue. Amid the row, a woman in Pimpri-Chinchwad has alleged that excessive noise during festivals has forced her family to leave their home every year and that, on one such journey, a delay in getting medical help contributed to her father’s death in her arms.

Varsha Ganesh Kadam, a resident of a private housing society in Moshi, said the problem has persisted for nearly a decade. According to Kadam, her son has been suffering from seizures since he was five and is now in Class 12, while she also suffers from seizures.

Kadam alleged that DJ and sound systems are installed directly below their home during festivals, with the noise becoming so intense that windows, doors and utensils vibrate. She said the family is forced to leave their flat during festivals, sometimes staying with relatives and at other times spending nights in the refuge area on the eighth floor of their building.

She also claimed that the excessive noise has caused severe mental stress for her son, including during his examinations.

The family alleged that the situation became critical last year when Kadam’s father, who was seriously ill and dependent on oxygen, was undergoing treatment in hospital. After doctors advised the family to take him home, Kadam said she approached festival organisers and committee members, requesting that they reduce the volume or shift the sound system.

She alleged that her requests were ignored.

With the noise continuing, Kadam said she decided to take her father to their native village near Baramati. However, she alleged that the road and bridge leading to the village had been declared dangerous, preventing an ambulance or other vehicle from reaching them in time.

Her father eventually died in her arms after failing to receive timely medical assistance, the family alleged. Kadam said the family had spent around Rs 15 lakh on his treatment.

She further alleged that the festival programme at the society continued until midnight even after her father’s death.

The family said that whenever it objected to the noise, its members were accused of being "against religion". Kadam rejected the charge.

"We celebrate all festivals ourselves. I have participated in Ganpati celebrations and even won prizes. We are not atheists. But is it right to play with someone else's life in the name of religion?" she said.

Kadam also alleged that society committee members and the chairman dismissed their complaints, saying they were the only residents facing the problem and suggesting that they install soundproof windows or keep their doors shut.

The family said it submitted its first written complaint to the police in 2023 but alleged that no action was taken. It filed another complaint at the MIDC Bhosari Police Station on September 4.

Kadam claimed that whenever the family calls the police through 112, the sound system is switched off before officers arrive and restarted after they leave. She also alleged that organisers told her that approaching the police would not help.

The family further claimed that the society's managing committee has been dissolved and an administrator appointed, but alleged that no action followed despite a notice being issued to the administrator around four months ago.

The family is now considering selling its flat. It has also alleged that attempts are being made to depress the property's value by spreading misinformation that it should be sold cheaply because a sound system is installed below it.

MAHARASHTRA DJ ROW

The Kadam family's allegations come as the controversy over DJ systems has intensified across Maharashtra ahead of Ganeshotsav.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the state government is working to build a consensus on restricting high-decibel DJ systems and has called for a return to traditional forms of celebration. He also condemned the assault on Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat, who has been campaigning against high-decibel sound systems.

Bapat was assaulted in Pune while speaking to the media after opposing the use of DJs and loudspeakers during festivals. Police arrested the alleged attacker, and the incident drew condemnation from several political leaders.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar backed Bapat's position, saying festivals should bring happiness rather than become a source of disturbance. He also called for greater attention to noise pollution and referred to restrictions imposed on DJ systems and laser lights in Solapur.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has also attacked the government over its handling of the issue, accusing Fadnavis of "sitting on the fence". Raut cited the Pimpri-Chinchwad family's case while arguing that the problems caused by high-decibel sound systems extend beyond Pune.

The government's position, however, has not been uniform.

Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam has said that sound during Hindu festivals will not be stopped, describing this as the position of the government and the Shiv Sena.

"Festivals are not celebrated like this (without sound). This is the stand of the Shiv Sena and the government," he said.

Minister of State for Health Meghana Bordikar, however, has called for restrictions, saying her cousin died last year because of DJ noise.

"We should celebrate, but there should be some restrictions to ensure our celebrations don't cause inconvenience to anyone," Bordikar said.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat has similarly backed strict enforcement of noise regulations. He said his district would not permit DJ systems and warned that violators could face fines and seizure of vehicles carrying the equipment.

In Pune, 31 prominent Ganapati mandals recently came together for a "DJ-free" Dahi Handi celebration, while a citizens' group organised a protest demanding restrictions on high-decibel sound systems.

The debate has also reached the National Human Rights Commission. The NHRC has sought an Action Taken Report from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board following a complaint alleging violations of noise regulations during Ganeshotsav, including the use of high-powered DJs, Dolby systems and loudspeakers beyond permissible limits.

The commission has sought details on permissible noise levels, whether such equipment requires permission, the number of permissions issued and enforcement action taken against violations.