A stampede at Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra's Pune district during Shiv Jayanti celebrations resulted in injuries to several women and children due to overcrowding and a lack of police control.
On the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, a significant gathering formed at Shivneri Fort located in the Junner taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, leading to overcrowded conditions that spiraled into a stampede. Hundreds of youths carrying Shiv Jyot and members of various organizations filled the fort premises as they came to participate in the celebrations. Unfortunately, the situation was exacerbated by insufficient police presence, which made it difficult to control the crowd during the festivities, particularly at narrow entrances such as the Hathi Dwar and Ganesh Dwar.
As the crowd surged forward simultaneously, chaos erupted, causing panic among the attendees. The uncontrolled movement resulted in several women and young children being injured as they fell over one another in the melee. Emergency services promptly transported the injured to the local government hospital in Junner for treatment, highlighting concerns over crowd management at significant public events.
The incident raises critical questions about safety protocols during large-scale gatherings, especially given the emotional significance of such festivals for the local community. With many people participating in the event, it underscores the need for improved contingency planning, increased law enforcement presence, and better communication strategies to manage potential hazards in the future.
