Pune Police Register Case Against Nine For Assaulting Tourists at Sinhagad Fort

Tourists visiting Sinhagad Fort were allegedly assaulted and harassed for nearly two hours after members of a group confronted them over their clothing, including the shorts worn by an eight-year-old girl. The incident took place on August 16, when the historic fort was witnessing a large weekend crowd. Haveli Police have registered a case against nine individuals in connection with the alleged assault and intimidation of tourists.

According to Pune Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill, the dispute 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, after which the man was allegedly assaulted. The individuals involved reportedly claimed to be members of a group called the “Fort Conservation Society” and objected to what they described as inappropriate clothing.

The confrontation allegedly escalated after the group began confronting other tourists who were wearing shorts. According to the police account, the alleged attackers did not limit their actions to verbal objections and physically assaulted people at the fort. Women, children and elderly visitors were also allegedly subjected to harassment and mistreatment during the incident, turning what had been a routine visit to the popular tourist destination into a distressing experience.

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Eyewitness accounts cited in the report said the confrontation continued for nearly two hours, creating an atmosphere of fear among visitors at the fort. Tourists reportedly struggled to protect themselves as the alleged harassment continued. The incident has raised concerns over the emergence of self-appointed groups attempting to impose their own standards of behaviour and dress on visitors at historical sites.

Following complaints from the tourists, Haveli Police registered a criminal case against nine named individuals. Authorities are investigating the allegations and are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the alleged assaults. Pune Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed the dispute and said the case had been registered following the complaints received by the police.

Pune and its surrounding areas are home to several forts associated with the history of the Maratha kingdom, including Sinhagad, which attracts large numbers of visitors. In recent years, some self-styled fort conservation groups have claimed to work towards preserving the sites and maintaining cleanliness. However, tourists and locals have alleged that certain groups have also attempted to dictate how visitors should dress and behave. The latest incident has brought renewed attention to concerns over such forms of moral policing at popular heritage destinations.

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