Pune Traffic Alert: Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway Blocked at Wadgaon Bridge Amid Protest

Narhe, 2nd May 2026: Traffic on a key stretch of the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway came to a complete standstill on Saturday evening after protesters blocked both sides of the road near Hotel Suvarna at Wadgaon Bridge, demanding justice for a minor victim in a recent crime case.

Pune rural police have arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly sexually assaulting and killing a four-year-old girl in the Nasrapur area of Bhor taluka. According to eyewitnesses, the highway has remained choked for over an hour, with agitators refusing to allow any vehicles to pass.

Protesters raised strong slogans, insisting that the road blockade would continue until Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrives at the spot. They also demanded that justice be delivered to the child victim and called for strict action against the accused, including handing him over to the public.

The situation escalated as demonstrators shouted slogans demanding severe punishment for the accused, leading to heightened tension in the area. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers to control the crowd and prevent any untoward incidents.

In an official traffic advisory issued at 7:00 pm on May 2, the Pune Traffic Police confirmed that both carriageways of the highway—towards Satara and towards Mumbai—have been completely shut due to the ongoing rasta roko agitation at Wadgaon Bridge. Motorists travelling on this route have been advised to avoid the Wadgaon Bridge stretch and either wait at safe locations or use alternative routes. Authorities have cautioned that it may take some time before the blockade is lifted and normal traffic resumes.

Further updates are awaited as police continue efforts to bring the situation under control.