PUNE, Maharashtra – Chaos erupted at Shivneri Fort in Pune district on Thursday during celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A massive crowd overwhelmed the historic site, leading to the collapse of a key railing and sparking a near stampede that left several people injured, including women and children.
The fort, revered as the birthplace of the Maratha warrior king, drew thousands of devotees from early Wednesday night. Pilgrims arrived carrying traditional ‘Shiv Jyot’ lamps, joined by members of various cultural and political organizations. By morning, the narrow pathways and entry points were completely choked, turning the festive occasion into a potential disaster zone.
The incident unfolded near the Elephant Gate and Ganesh Gate areas, where intense crowd pressure caused a metal railing to give way. Panic spread like wildfire as visitors scrambled to escape, with some climbing over others in desperation. Reports indicate pushing and shoving led to multiple falls, exacerbating the injuries.
Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill confirmed the mishap, stating that three to four individuals sustained minor injuries. ‘No one is critically hurt, and the situation is now under full control,’ he assured. Police personnel on site quickly intervened, evacuating the wounded and escorting them to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading rumors and to cooperate with security measures. This incident underscores the urgent need for better crowd management infrastructure at popular heritage sites, especially during high-attendance events like Shivaji Jayanti. As celebrations continue, enhanced vigilance is promised to prevent recurrences.