Three Women Booked For Offering Namaz At Pune’s Shaniwar Wada; NCP, BJP Trade Barbs

Last Updated:October 21, 2025, 11:53 IST

Reacting to the controversy, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane had earlier said Shaniwar Wada is a symbol of Hindu valour and close to the community’s heart.

Capture from the video showing some Muslim women offering Namaz. (Medha Kulkarni/X)

A case has been registered against three unidentified women after a video showing them offering namaz on the premises of Pune’s historic Shaniwar Wada fort went viral.

The FIR has been filed under provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, for allegedly violating restrictions applicable to protected monuments.

The incident has sparked a political controversy, with ruling alliance partners in Maharashtra divided over the issue. The Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) accused BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol and local MLA Siddharth Shirole’s aide Kulkarni of attempting to communalise the matter by trying to “purify" the area and demanded that a case be filed against Kulkarni instead.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1:45 pm on Saturday, after which an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer filed a formal complaint with Pune City Police.

The viral video sparked protests on Sunday by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and members of a local right-wing organisation, who also performed purification rituals at the spot where the namaz was offered. Police have since increased security around the Shaniwar Wada premises.

Also Read: Will You Be Fine With Hanuman Chalisa Chants At Haji Ali?’ Nitesh Rane On Namaz At Pune Fort

Reacting to the controversy, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane said Shaniwar Wada is a symbol of Hindu valour and close to the community’s heart. Referring to the viral video showing women offering namaz and the subsequent purification, Rane questioned if the Muslim community would permit Hindus to chant Hanuman Chalisa at Haji Ali.

“Shaniwar Wada has a history. It is the symbol of our valour. It is very close to the Hindu community’s heart. If you want to offer namaz there, 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," he told ANI.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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