Tension at Shivneri Fort: “Stampede-Like” Chaos Mars Shiv Jayanti Celebrations in Pune

February 19, 2026 – What was meant to be a day of grand celebration and reverence turned into a scene of panic as a “stampede-like” situation broke out at Shivneri Fort in Junnar early Thursday morning. Thousands of devotees had converged at the historic birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to mark his 396th birth anniversary, leading to severe overcrowding and several minor injuries.

The incident occurred during the early hours of February 19, as the influx of “Shivbhakts” (devotees) reached a peak. According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the chaos was triggered by a massive surge of people attempting to navigate the fort’s narrow architectural passages and steep stone stairways.

Chaos at the Gates: What Went Wrong?

The festivities, which began on Wednesday night, saw a relentless stream of people carrying the ceremonial ‘Shiv Jyot’ (holy flame) and saffron flags. By midnight, the crowd density near the Hatti Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza—key entry points below the Amberkhana—became unmanageable.

• The Trigger: Pune Rural Police reported that around 3:30 AM, a group of devotees was descending the stairs near the Meena Darwaza. Amidst the rush, one individual reportedly slipped, causing a chain reaction that led to several others falling on the steps.
• The Panic: In the ensuing confusion, panic spread through the narrow corridors. Visuals from the site showed devotees, including women and children, attempting to escape the crush by climbing onto the dilapidated walls and rocky ledges of the fort.
• Infrastructure Stress: The historic fort, while grand, features narrow pathways not originally designed to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors who now attend the annual Shiv Jayanti “Janmotsav.”

Casualties and Medical Response

While early reports on social media suggested a large-scale stampede, Pune Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandeep Singh Gill clarified that the situation was a localized “crowd surge” rather than a full stampede.

“A group of about 15-20 persons was descending in a hurry near Meena Darwaja. One youth slipped, causing seven to eight others to fall. Three individuals sustained minor leg injuries. There was no large-scale stampede, and the situation was quickly brought under control,” SP Gill stated in a video briefing.

The injured were immediately rushed to the Junnar Government Hospital. Hospital officials have confirmed that all victims are in stable condition and are receiving treatment for minor cuts and bruises.

VIP Visits and Security Measures

Despite the early morning scare, the official government ceremony proceeded as planned later in the day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and other high-ranking officials visited the fort to pay their respects.

Chief Minister Fadnavis acknowledged the massive turnout and thanked the police for their quick intervention. He emphasized that the state government is committed to the development of the Junnar region and hinted at future infrastructure upgrades to better manage the growing number of pilgrims.

Current Situation on the Ground:

• Additional Deployment: Extra police personnel and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) units have been stationed at all seven gates of the fort.
• Controlled Entry: Authorities have implemented a “one-way” traffic system for pedestrians to prevent ascending and descending crowds from clashing.
• Appeal for Calm: The administration has urged devotees to maintain discipline and follow the instructions of the volunteers on-site.

A Recurring Concern

This incident has reignited the debate over safety at Maharashtra’s historic forts. Trekking groups and heritage activists have long called for better crowd-control protocols, safety railings, and emergency medical outposts at Shivneri, particularly during high-profile festivals like Shiv Jayanti.