Poster Excluding Muslims at Sinhagad Fort Removed, Police Investigate
The state forest department has removed a poster that appeared at the entrance of Sinhagad Fort near Pune, which stated that the site belongs to Hindus and that Muslims are not allowed, police said. No formal complaint has been lodged yet, but authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
The poster, written in Marathi, was pasted on an old metal board next to the vehicle parking lot. A forest department officer said it was noticed early Tuesday morning and promptly removed. The text read, “This fort belongs to Hindus. Muslims are not allowed to enter,” and ended with the word “hukumavaroon” (by order).
An officer from Pune Rural police stated, “We are looking at the footage from the CCTV cameras on the access routes to identify the suspects who put up the poster.” The incident has drawn attention on social media, with images of the poster being widely shared.
Sinhagad Fort is a historical site of cultural significance, and such exclusionary acts are against the constitutional values of equality and secularism. Officials have urged anyone with information to come forward.
