Pune: Several Injured in Late-Night Crowd Surge at Shivneri Fort During Birth Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Junnar, 19th February 2026: A late-night crowd surge during the birth anniversary celebrations of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri Fort left several devotees injured, officials said, though police denied reports of a stampede and confirmed no fatalities.
According to preliminary information, thousands of followers from across the state had gathered at the hill fort to mark the Maratha ruler’s 396th birth anniversary. Around 3 am, heavy congestion built up at a narrow passage between Hatti Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza near the Amberkhana area. With limited space and swelling numbers, pushing and jostling began, creating panic for a brief period.
Initial accounts suggested crowd-control arrangements were insufficient for the sudden influx, and the situation escalated quickly. Local volunteers and officials rushed to assist, evacuating the injured down the fort. They were transported by ambulances to nearby hospitals, including sub-district hospital in Manchar and Junnar Rural Hospital, where treatment is ongoing. Authorities said some devotees sustained serious injuries but all are out of danger.
The celebrations have drawn massive attendance, with the entire fort illuminated and decorated in saffron hues. Chants of “Jai Jijau, Jai Shivray” echoed across the premises as devotees paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
In a clarification, Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill said the situation began when one person slipped while descending with the ceremonial Shivjyot flame, causing two others behind him to lose balance and fall. This briefly led to congestion, but there was no stampede.
