Tourist assaulted at Pune fort over girl's shorts; 8 members of right-wing group booked
Eight members of a right-wing group were booked by police for assaulting a man at Sinhagad fort. The altercation began when the group attempted to enforce moral policing regarding a girl's clothing.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing debates regarding moral policing and individual freedom in public spaces in India.
Police have registered a case against eight members of a right-wing outfit for allegedly assaulting a man following an altercation at the popular Sinhagad fort near Pune city over the group members objecting to his friend's young daughter wearing shorts.
Police said the incident took place on Monday (August 17, 2026) near the samadhi (memorial) of Tanaji Malusare, a legendary military commander and trusted companion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on the fort.
"A group of members of the right-wing outfit objected to the girl wearing shorts on the fort, which led to a heated argument between them and the complainant. The argument escalated and the complainant was allegedly assaulted," inspector Rajesh Ramaghare of the Haveli police station said.
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