Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against three unidentified women following the viral circulation of a video showing them performing namaz within the historic Shaniwar Wada complex in Pune. This incident quickly ignited strong protests from BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and various other community groups.
The Pune City Police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged. The charges are based on alleged violations of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, which govern activities within protected historical sites.
The controversial act reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m. An official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) promptly filed a formal complaint with the Pune City Police. In response to the viral video, BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and members of a local right-wing organization staged demonstrations on Sunday, October 19, 2025. They also conducted purification rituals at the exact spot where the namaz was performed, prompting increased police security around Shaniwar Wada.
A police officer stated, ‘We have applied the appropriate section of the AMASR Rules, which specifies penalties for prohibited actions within protected monuments.’
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane weighed in on the issue, criticizing both the namaz video and the BJP’s subsequent ‘purification’ rituals. He asserted that Shaniwar Wada is a profound symbol of Hindu valor, deeply cherished by the community. Rane challenged the notion by asking whether Muslim communities would tolerate Hindus reciting the Hanuman Chalisa at Haji Ali, stressing that religious observances should respect designated places of worship.
Mr. Rane expressed his full support for Hindu activists speaking out on the matter. He told ANI, ‘Shaniwar Wada holds immense historical significance; it is a testament to our valor and holds a special place in the hearts of the Hindu community. If namaz is performed there, would it be acceptable if Hindus were to chant the Hanuman Chalisa at Haji Ali? Would that not offend your sentiments? Prayers should exclusively be conducted in designated religious sites. Therefore, the actions of Hindu activists in voicing their concerns are entirely justified.’
In a strong rebuttal, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, on Monday, October 20, 2025, sharply criticized the BJP’s response. He remarked that the BJP’s act of sprinkling cow urine at the iconic Shaniwar Wada, in protest against the Muslim women’s namaz, was utterly bewildering and caused a reaction of disbelief.
Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Sawant pointed out that Shaniwar Wada once even housed Mastani. He wrote, ‘It was the Peshwa chieftains themselves who lowered the Chhatrapati’s flag and raised the Union Jack. Yet, if those women merely utter the name of the Almighty in such a place, it somehow causes you discomfort. Has anyone prevented you from sitting there and meditating yourself?’
Mr. Sawant further highlighted that Shaniwar Wada contains dargahs dating back to the Peshwa era, and the Peshwas themselves had no objections to their presence. He also referenced the tragic assassination of young Peshwa Narayanrao at the site, noting that Pune residents still speak of hearing the echoing pleas of ‘Uncle, save me’ from within Shaniwar Wada’s walls.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Sawant provocatively asked, ‘Therefore, calling upon the Almighty’s name is a virtuous act. Why do you not chant ‘Ram Ram’ yourselves?’ He added, ‘Considering the myriad historical events that transpired within Shaniwar Wada, by your own logic, members of the BJP, the entire complex ought to be cleansed with cow urine. Doing so would unequivocally expose the truly regressive nature of your ideology to the public.’