Tourists Thrashed, Harassed For 2 Hours Over 8-Year-Old's Shorts At Pune Fort
A group of tourists, including an 8-year-old girl, were physically assaulted by self-styled 'fort conservationists' at Pune's Sinhagad Fort for wearing shorts. Police have registered a criminal case against nine individuals involved in the two-hour-long incident of moral policing.
Why it matters
The incident highlights rising concerns regarding vigilantism and moral policing in public spaces, sparking a debate on personal freedom and safety at heritage sites.
Pune and its outskirts are dotted by forts built by Maratha kings including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Over the years, these forts have served as popular tourist spots, with thousands of people visiting every year in hopes of enjoying themselves. But last weekend, one such leisurely trip turned out to be a source of horror for some tourists, allegedly for wearing what others decided were "inappropriate" clothes.Pune's Haveli Police have registered a case against nine individuals for assaulting tourists over their clothes at the Sinhagad Fort and intimidating people for two hours on August 16 - a day after India celebrated its 80th Independence Day.According to Pune Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill, the dispute started when a young man and another group of people stopped a family asking why their 8-year-old daughter was wearing shorts."An argument ensued, and the person was assaulted," the police officer said.The attackers, according to officials, claimed…
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