Shivneri Fort Stampede News: A stampede-like situation occurred during Shiv Jayanti celebrations at Pune’s Shivneri Fort, injuring several devotees, including women and children.
A stampede-like situation broke out at Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in Pune during Shiv Jayanti on Wednesday evening (February 19). Thousands of devotees from across Maharashtra arrived at the fort near Junnar to celebrate the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj at midnight. Within no time, the crowd swelled and choked key entry points, leading to suffocation and chaos. During the rush, several people, including women and children, got injured. Police reached the fort immediately and took the injured people to hospital. According to the officials, at present, the situation is under control at the fort.
The surge began late Wednesday night with a crowd gathering near the Ambar Khana area. The narrow historic gates, Hatti Darwaja and Ganesh Darwaja, became crowded and dangerous. Reports say there were not enough police, and entry and exit were not properly managed, which caused panic. Several people, including women and children, got injured.
Police and local authorities acted quickly to control the crowd and help the injured. The victims were taken to Junnar Government Hospital for treatment. Thankfully, there were no deaths, and the situation at the fort is now completely under control.
Despite the midnight scare, the Grand Shiv Janmotsav Ceremony – organised annually by the Maharashtra Government – will proceed as scheduled. Attendees: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Status: High security has been reinforced on all approach roads to prevent further congestion.
https://www.timesnownews.com/pune/shiv-jayanti-celebrations-turn-chaotic-at-pune-shivneri-fort-devotees-injured-situation-under-control-article-153642248