Peshwa-era prestige to fatal rivalries: Pune’s pigeon passion spirals into violence

What Happened

Pune's pigeon-keeping tradition, dating to the Peshwa era, has spiraled into violence. A 19-year-old was beaten to death in March over pigeon theft suspicion. The city has over 1,000 pigeon keepers. Birds sell for Rs 500 to Rs 1.25 lakh. Past incidents include murders in 2022, 2021, 2014, and 2013. Competitive capturing and prestige drive the culture.

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