Pune: Outrage Over Misbehavior With Foreign Tourist At Sinhagad Fort; Groups Demand Immediate Arrest Of Accused
Pune, 12th April 2025: A disturbing incident at Pune’s historic Sinhagad Fort has triggered outrage after a group of youths was seen in a viral video misbehaving with a foreign tourist. The video shows a tourist from New Zealand being coerced into repeating obscene Marathi abuses by a group of around ten youths while he was hiking up the fort. Taking advantage of his unfamiliarity with the local language, they laughed and recorded him unknowingly using vulgar language.
The youths are suspected to be from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The tourist, also a YouTuber, was climbing a trail to the fort when the group descending the hill began mocking and humiliating him. The video, now widely circulated on social media, has caused deep embarrassment and anger among locals and history enthusiasts.
Representatives from multiple organizations submitted a formal memorandum at Haveli Police Station, demanding strict action against those involved. They also insisted that a case be registered immediately under relevant charges.
The activists emphasized that Sinhagad is a sacred and historically significant site and such acts tarnish not only the local culture but also India’s global image. They expressed concerns that the tourist, upon returning to his country, might share his unpleasant experience, leading to a negative impression of the country.
Members from organizations including ‘Gad Pavitrata Mohim’, ‘Sinhagad Parivar’, Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Fort Conservation Cell were present while submitting the memorandum. They also urged authorities to ensure better security along trekking routes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked a wave of anger among citizens, who demand swift and strict action against those responsible to preserve the dignity of such revered historical places.
