Nine booked for assaulting tourists over clothes at Pune’s Sinhagad Fort
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Pune’s Haveli Police have registered a case against nine people for assaulting tourists and intimidating visitors at Sinhagad Fort on August 16 over the clothes they were wearing.
According to Pune Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill, the incident began when a young man and another group of people stopped a family and questioned why their eight-year-old daughter was wearing shorts. An argument followed, during which the man was assaulted.
The accused reportedly claimed to be members of the ‘Fort Conservation Society’. As crowds gathered at the fort during the weekend, the group confronted several tourists, including the minor, accusing them of wearing ‘inappropriate’ clothes.
The confrontation escalated into physical assaults. Officials said women, children and elderly visitors were also subjected to mistreatment and assault.
Eyewitnesses said the incident continued for nearly two hours, leaving tourists frightened and scrambling to protect themselves.
Following complaints, the Haveli Police registered a criminal case against nine named individuals. Further investigation is underway.
In recent years, several self-styled fort conservation groups have emerged in Pune, claiming to preserve the history and cleanliness of the region’s historic forts. However, some tourists and locals have alleged that certain groups have also attempted to impose their own rules on visitors, including restrictions on clothing and behaviour.
Sinhagad is among the forts around Pune that attract large numbers of tourists each year.