Pune Shivneri Fort stampede: Women, children injured during Shivaji Jayanti rush

Pune: A stampede at Shivneri Fort during Shivaji Jayanti celebrations on Wednesday left several people injured, including women and children, after overcrowding at narrow entry and exit points triggered panic among visitors.

The incident happened at key access routes such as Hathi Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza near the Amberkhana area, where a large number of attendees attempted to move through simultaneously. The situation was allegedly aggravated by inadequate police deployment.

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The incident occurred around 3.30 am when a group carrying a torch was descending the fort near the Meena Darwaja in Junnar tehsil, officials said.

"A group was coming down the fort carrying a torch at a fast pace amid heavy crowding. Our police team present there advised them to slow down," Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, Sandip Singh Gill said.

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"Meanwhile, someone from the upper side pushed a person, following which four to five people from the group fell. Three people sustained leg injuries," he said.

The police personnel present at the spot immediately assisted the injured and ensured that the movement of people continued smoothly, the official said.

"We have deployed additional police force, and the movement of people is now taking place smoothly," he said.

Thousands had gathered at the historic fort to take part in rituals and processions, with many carrying the ceremonial Shiv Jyot and arriving in organised groups.

Emergency teams rushed to the spot and shifted all the injured to the government hospital in Junnar. Officials said the victims are currently undergoing treatment at the facility and their condition is being monitored.