Pune: A video of three Muslim women offering namaz at the historic Shaniwar Wada fort went viral, sparking a major controversy, sparking protests from Hindu organisations and political rhetoric.

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A video of three Muslim women offering namaz at Pune’s historic Shaniwar Wada fort has sparked a major controversy. The viral video shows the women offering namaz on a mat spread on the upper floor of Shaniwar Wada. The video not only sparked protests from Hindu organizations but also intensified political rhetoric.

Pune Police have registered a case against three unidentified women for conducting religious activities within the Shaniwar Wada complex, which is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The FIR was filed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, as it is a protected heritage site, where no religious events are permitted.

Cow Urine ‘Purification’, Protests, and Tension
After the video surfaced, BJP MP Medha Kulkarni condemned it on social media, calling it an “insult to historical heritage.” She then protested at Shaniwar Wada along with activists from the Sakal Hindu Samaj and Patit Pavan Sangathan.

The protesters purified the site by sprinkling cow urine and cow dung and raised slogans such as “Shaniwar Wada is ours” and “The glory of the Peshwas will remain intact.” Police used mild force at the scene due to the sloganeering and scuffles during the protest. Several people were slightly injured in the clash. Later, Vashi Division DCP Krishnakesh Rawale stated that further action would be taken after discussions with the ASI.

The entire controversy has also heated up Maharashtra politics. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP accused BJP MP Medha Kulkarni of inciting religious tensions and demanded an FIR be filed against her. NCP leader Rupali Thombare said, “There is a decades-old grave in Shaniwar Wada; offering namaz is not a crime. The BJP is raising this issue to polarize elections.” Meanwhile, the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also condemned the incident as an attempt to disrupt communal harmony.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane said he welcomed the Hindu wing activists who purified Shaniwar Wada with cow urine after offering namaz.

Historical Significance of Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is one of Pune’s most famous historical monuments. Built by Peshwa Bajirao I in 1732, it was once the seat of power of the Hindu Swarajya and the Peshwas. Therefore, local organizations say that no religious activities should take place here. Police are currently investigating the matter and further action will be taken after receiving a report from the ASI.