A significant controversy has erupted in Maharashtra following a viral video that appeared to show three women offering namaz at Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada. In response to the video, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Medha Kulkarni participated in demonstrations and reportedly performed a purification ritual using ‘gaumutra’ (cow urine) at the site. The Pune City Police have registered a case against three unidentified women seen in the video for allegedly violating rules applicable to protected monuments.
Shaniwarwada, a historical landmark in Pune, was built in 1732 and served as the Peshwa seat of the Maratha Empire. The incident has drawn strong reactions, with MP Medha Kulkarni sharing the video and calling for community gatherings at the site, stating, “Shaniwarwada will not hold Namaz recitation, the Hindu community has now awakened!”. She expressed concern and outrage among Pune residents.
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane also condemned the act, emphasizing that Shaniwarwada holds importance for the Hindu community. He questioned the acceptance of such actions and stressed the importance of offering prayers at designated places.
The Pune City Police have filed an FIR under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, for the violation of regulations concerning protected monuments.
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