FIR Filed Against Group Of Youths For Forcing New Zealand Tourist To Use Abusive Language In Marathi At Pune’s Sinhgad Fort
Pune, 14th April 2025: The Pune Rural Police have filed an FIR against a group of youths who forced a New Zealand tourist to use abusive language in Marathi while visiting the historic Sinhgad Fort. The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked outrage on social media, prompting calls for action against the culprits.
The incident took place when the tourist, identified as Luke from New Zealand, visited Sinhgad Fort on 6th April. Luke, who runs a YouTube channel called “Luke the Explorer,” uploaded a video of his visit, where he narrated his experience while exploring the fort. The video, titled “This Fort in India is Insane,” featured a group of young men who approached Luke and pressured him into using offensive Marathi words. These youths claimed to be from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and incited Luke to use profanity in Marathi, as seen in the viral clip.
The video quickly gained attention online, with several netizens, social activists, history enthusiasts, volunteers, and political party workers expressing their dismay over the incident. Many criticized the youths for harassing a foreign tourist at a site of historical significance, and demanded legal action against them.
Following public outrage, the Pune Rural Police registered an FIR at the Haveli Police Station. Police Inspector Sachin Waghade confirmed that the youths are being charged under Sections 49, 302 (deliberately hurting religious sentiments), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). An investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the accused individuals.
The police also stated that efforts are underway to trace the culprits involved, and their identities are being sought based on the footage from the video.
