Pune heritage site row: Complaint over post-prayer cleanup

Newsroom, October 21, 2025:

An official from the Archaeological Survey of India has lodged a police report against three women for carrying out a 'purification' ritual at Pune's Shaniwarwada fort right after they performed namaz there.

The incident has stirred up debate, with the women accused of sprinkling water and using cow dung to 'clean' the area, which the ASI sees as damage to the historic site. Police are looking into it under laws that protect old monuments.

The National Congress Party has jumped in, asking for a formal case against a local BJP member of Parliament, claiming he backed the act.