Pune: Hindu groups protest over women offering namaz at Shaniwar Wada
text_fields
Pune: Hindu outfits staged a protest on Sunday after a video showing Muslim women offering namaz at the historical Shaniwar Wada in Pune went viral on social media.
The video was also shared on X by BJP Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni, who demanded strict action against those involved. “This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action,” she told reporters while leading a protest attended by several hundred people.
The protest was organised by groups including Patit Pavan Sanghatna and Hindu Sakal Samaj. As part of the demonstration, they sprinkled cow urine at the site and performed ‘Shiv Vandana’, a Hindu prayer, in an effort to “purify” the area following the namaz episode.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy Commissioner of Police Krushikesh Rawale said the site falls under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “We will consult the ASI and take further action after that,” he said.
Shaniwar Wada, a 13-storey palace built by the Peshwas in 1736, holds historical and cultural significance as the seat of Peshwa power in Pune. The palace was destroyed in a fire in 1828, leaving only the fortification walls and massive spike-studded doors.
With PTI inputs