Three women booked for offering namaz inside Shaniwar wada in Pune after video goes viral

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 went viral on social media, sparking protests by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and members of other organisations.

According to the Pune City Police, 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 reportedly took place around 1.45 p.m. on Saturday (October 18, 2025), following which an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer lodged a formal complaint to Pune City Police. The video led to protest demonstrations on Sunday (October 19, 2025) by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and other members of a city-based right-wing outfit. They also performed purification rituals at spot where namaz was offered, police have increase security deployment around Shaniwar wada.

"We have invoked the relevant Section of the AMASR Rules, which provides for penalties related to prohibited activities within protected monuments," a police officer said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane, commenting on a viral video allegedly showing women offering namaz at Shaniwar wada and the BJP performing "purification" there, stated that Shaniwar wada is a symbol of Hindu valour and close to the community's heart. He questioned if Muslims would accept Hindus chanting Hanuman Chalisa at Haji Ali, emphasising that prayers should be offered at designated places.

Mr. Rane supported Hindu workers raising their voice on the issue. "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 the designated places. If Hindu workers raised their voice, then it is correct," Mr. Rane told ANI.

Criticising the BJP, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant on Monday (October 20, 2025) said the BJP ‘s action of sprinkling cow urine at the iconic Shaniwar wada in Pune as part of a protest against Muslim women offering namaz there makes one want to slap his or her forehead in disbelief.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Mr. Sawant said Shaniwar wada even housed Mastani. “It was the Peshwa sardars themselves who removed the Chhatrapati’s flag and hoisted the Union Jack. If those women invoke the name of the Almighty at such a place, it starts hurting your stomachs. Has anyone stopped you from sitting there and meditate,” Mr. Sawant asked in the post.

Mr. Sawant said the Shaniwar wada hosts Peshwa-era dargahs. The Peshwas had no issue with it, he pointed out. Referring to the brutal assassination of young Peshwa Narayanrao at the site, Mr. Sawant said people from Pune still say they can hear cries of “Uncle, save me” coming from the Shaniwar wada.

“So, invoking the Almighty’s name is good. Why don’t you chant ‘Ram Ram’ yourselves?” Mr. Sawant asked.“ So much has happened in that Shaniwar wada that, by your logic, BJP folks, the entire Wada should actually be washed with cow urine. That way, the public will also realize just how regressive your mindset is,” the Congress leader added.