Tourists attacked over wearing shorts at Pune's Sinhagad Fort, clash caught on camera

Police have registered a case against eight members of the Samast Hindu Bandhav Army, including three women, on charges related to assault, rioting, unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation. The accused have been identified as Sanket Sanjay Patil, Ashish Dilip Apar, Revan Narayan Kokte, Sayali.

The matter came to light after a 39-year-old senior manager with a private company visited the fort with his family and friends. After visiting the memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's commander, Tanaji Malusare, the group was returning when they were allegedly stopped by members.

What Happened

According to the complaint, the group questioned the tourists over them wearing "shorts" and allegedly assaulted the man. Three men reportedly slapped him, while one of the women allegedly pulled at his wife.

• Haveli police station inspector Rajesh Ramaghare said teams had been deployed to trace the accused.

• Police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation.

• Videos purportedly showing the brawl have since surfaced on social media, with the footage showing people involved in a physical altercation at the popular tourist destination.

Key Details

The accused also allegedly made remarks about following "Hindu culture". The family later alerted a police patrol team after reaching the foothills and was directed to Haveli police station.

• The victims were reportedly slapped and, in some cases, allegedly struck with plastic rods.

• Three other tourists from separate groups, including another woman, were also allegedly assaulted by the same group, police said.

• Police subsequently learned that other visitors had allegedly faced similar attacks at the fort.

Why It Matters

Police subsequently learned that other visitors had allegedly faced similar attacks at the fort. Three other tourists from separate groups, including another woman, were also allegedly assaulted by the same group, police said.

• The family later alerted a police patrol team after reaching the foothills and was directed to Haveli police station.

• The accused also allegedly made remarks about following "Hindu culture".

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge