PUNE: Sinhagad Fort, one of Maharashtra’s most prominent historic landmarks, has once again drawn attention after a man and his wife were allegedly assaulted following an argument over a young girl wearing shorts at the popular tourist destination.The latest incident is not the first time the fort has made headlines for reasons unrelated to its history.Located less than 40km from Pune, Sinhagad is one of the city’s most popular weekend getaways.Its proximity to the city, combined with its historical significance and scenic location, it draws large crowds, particularly on Sundays and other holidays. For many Pune residents, a visit to the fort is a regular weekend outing, with some making the trip as often as twice a month.Latest incident adds to concernsIn the latest case, Haveli police registered a case against eight people, including three women, after a disagreement involving a family visiting the fort allegedly escalated into an assault.Police said the group objected to a young girl wearing shorts and questioned the family about their clothes and photography. The argument allegedly turned physical, with the complainant claiming that one of the accused slapped him while a woman dragged his wife.Police also said the group allegedly misbehaved with another couple and tried to engage in moral policing. Complaints from three other groups who visited the fort on Sunday have also been received, according to police.The police have launched a search for the eight accused.‘Muslims not allowed’ posterThe latest controversy follows an incident in July, this year, when an objectionable poster claiming that “Muslims were not allowed” to enter Sinhagad Fort was found near the main entrance.As per an ANI report, the poster in Marathi language claimed the fort “belongs to Hindus” and carried the words “by order”, apparently attempting to make it appear as an official directive.Pune Rural Police registered a non-cognisable offence against an unidentified person. Officials clarified that no government department had issued any such order and said the poster was removed after it was brought to their attention.Incident with a foreign touristIn April, last year, Sinhagad also came under scrutiny after a video showed a group of young men allegedly tricking a New Zealand tourist into repeating Marathi swear words without knowing their meaning.As per a PTI report, Haveli police registered an FIR against four unidentified youths after the video went viral and drew criticism on social media.
- A fort steeped in history
Sinhagad’s significance extends well beyond its popularity as a picnic and trekking destination. Strategically positioned amid a cluster of important forts, including Purandhar, Torna and Rajgad, it has witnessed chapters of Maharashtra’s history involving the Marathas, Mughals and British.The fort and the wider region are also associated with the history of India’s freedom movement, adding to its cultural and historical importance.That legacy, coupled with its easy accessibility from Pune, has made Sinhagad a regular destination for residents and tourists alike.
- Crowds, roads and growing concerns
For a historic landmark that attracts thousands of visitors because of its history, landscape and proximity to Pune, the recent controversies have added another dimension to the challenges surrounding Sinhagad.Historic significance: Sinhagad sits strategically among forts such as Rajgad, Torna and Purandhar and carries layers of Maratha, Mughal and British history, besides its links with India’s freedom movement.
- Pune’s favourite weekend getaway
Located less than 40 km from Pune, the fort attracts large crowds, particularly on Sundays and holidays, with some local visitors making the trip twice a month.
- A string of recent controversies
The fort has recently featured in incidents involving alleged moral policing, the assault of a visitor, a controversial “Muslims not allowed” poster and the harassment of a foreign tourist.The deteriorating condition of roads leading to Sinhagad has become a growing concern as weekend crowds continue to swell, raising questions about infrastructure and visitor management.
- Heritage vs modern challenges
The recurring incidents and infrastructure concerns have put the spotlight on how a major historic and tourist destination can balance heritage preservation, security, public access and responsible visitor behaviour.
