• Source:JND
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Pune News: A controversy erupted in Pune after a video surfaced showing a group of Muslim women offering namaz inside the premises of the historic Shaniwar Wada fort. The incident led to protests by several Hindu organisations, who claimed the act was disrespectful to the heritage site.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane defended the protesters, questioning whether similar actions by Hindus at Muslim religious sites would be acceptable. “Will you be fine with Hindus going to Haji Ali and chanting Hanuman Chalisa? Will your sentiments not be hurt? One should offer prayers only at designated places. If Hindu workers raised their voice, then it is correct,” Rane said while speaking to the media.

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The controversy began after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni shared the video online, calling for strict action against those involved. She also led a protest at the site, stating, “This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action against those involved.”

Following the protests, members of Hindu outfits, including Patit Pavan Sanghatna, conducted a “purification” ritual at the spot where the women had offered prayers. As reported by PTI, the group sprinkled cow urine and performed ‘Shiv Vandana’ to “purify” the area.

Reacting to the act, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi criticised the protesters and the BJP leader. Speaking to ANI, he said, “The BJP MP who cleaned the place where Namaz was offered in Pune should fear Allah… Insulting someone’s worship in this manner is not even worthy of condemnation—it is a far more serious act.”

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Police officials said that Shaniwar Wada falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Deputy Commissioner of Police Krushikesh Rawale stated, “We will speak to the ASI and will take further action after that.”

Built in 1732, Shaniwar Wada once served as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Confederacy. The fort was destroyed by fire in 1828 and is now preserved as a major tourist attraction under the ASI.

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