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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."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.The video, which went viral, led to protest demonstrations on Sunday (October 19, 2025) by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and other members of a city-based right-wing outfit. “This is unfortunate. Shaniwar Wada is not the place to offer namaz. We urge the administration to take strict action against those involved,” she told reporters while leading a protest of several hundred persons.The outfits that took part in the protest included the Patit Pavan Sanghatna and Hindu Sakal Samaj. They sprinkled cow urine at the site and offered ‘Shiv Vandana’ (a Hindu prayer) in an effort to “purify” the site after the namaz episode.Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane, commenting on a viral video, 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. “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) ridiculed the “purification” ritual. 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.“So, invoking the Almighty’s name is good. Why don’t you chant ‘Ram Ram’ yourselves?” Mr. Sawant asked. Published - October 21, 2025 04:04 pm IST
