Namaz Row Sparks Protests at Pune’s Shaniwarwada

A major controversy erupted in Pune after a video surfaced showing three women performing namaz at the historic Shaniwarwada fort. The video, which quickly went viral, sparked strong reactions from political leaders and local residents.

In response to the video, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Medha Kulkarni led demonstrations at the site and reportedly performed a purification ritual using cow urine (gaumutra) at the area where the women had offered prayers. She also called for the public to gather at Shaniwarwada for Shiva Vandana, stating that the incident had deeply upset the Hindu community in Pune.

शनिवार वाड्यात नमाज पठण चालणार नाही, हिंदू समाज आता जागृत झाला आहे ! 🚩🚩

🚩चलो शनिवार वाडा! 🚩

रविवार, 19 ऑक्टोबर 2025
📍 शनिवार वाडा, कसबा पोलीस चौकीसमोर
🕓 सायंकाळी 4 वाजता
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🔥 पुण्याचे वैभव – शनिवार वाडा
ऐतिहासिक वारसा स्थळ की गैर हिंदू प्रार्थना स्थळ?
सारसबाग येथे… pic.twitter.com/EObcXMZ6Rt

— Dr. Medha Kulkarni (@Medha_kulkarni) October 19, 2025

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane criticised the act and supported the view that religious activities should be conducted only at designated locations. He drew attention to the sensitivity of historic sites and highlighted the need to respect sentiments across communities.

The Pune City Police have registered a case against the three unidentified women under provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959. The FIR was filed for violating regulations that prohibit certain activities within protected monuments. Authorities emphasised that the rules are in place to preserve the sanctity and heritage of protected sites.

Shaniwarwada, built in 1732, served as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire and remains one of Pune’s most significant historical landmarks. The incident has reignited debates about the use of heritage sites for religious activities and the need to maintain respect for protected monuments.