Stampede at Shivner Fort during Shivaji Maharaj birth anniversary celebrations, several injured

Pune (The Uttam Hindu): On Thursday, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, several people were injured when a railing collapsed inside the Shivneri Fort in Pune, Maharashtra. Women and children were reportedly among the injured. The incident caused a stampede-like situation inside the fort. However, the police administration took immediate action and brought the situation under control.

According to reports, a large number of people arrived at Shivneri Fort in Pune district on Thursday to celebrate Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary. The influx of people began Wednesday night, including those carrying the traditional Shiv Jyot (sacred flame) and members of various organizations. Due to this massive crowd, key access points within the complex were nearly blocked.

Due to the overwhelming pressure of the crowd, a railing inside the fort broke, creating chaos. Desperate to get out, some people began climbing with the help of others. It was reported that narrow passages such as the Hathi Darwaza area and Ganesh Darwaza, located below the Ambarkhana, were nearly blocked by the crowd. Pushing and shoving ensued as people surged forward, and some fell down in the chaos.

Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill confirmed the incident, saying that three to four people were slightly injured, but no one was seriously injured. He stated that the situation is currently normal. He appealed to people to stay away from rumors and cooperate with the administration. Police personnel deployed at the scene helped the people and evacuated the injured and admitted them to a nearby hospital.