Sinhagad Fort – Police Probe Fake Poster Claiming Entry Ban on Muslims
Sinhagad Fort –Authorities have launched an investigation after a misleading poster surfaced at Sinhagad Fort, while a separate security inquiry continues into suspected online links with a Pakistani gangster.
Pune Rural Police have begun an investigation after an unauthorized poster carrying objectionable content was discovered at the entrance of the historic Sinhagad Fort on Wednesday. Officials confirmed that a non-cognisable (NC) offence has been registered against an unidentified individual responsible for displaying the notice, which falsely claimed that Muslims were prohibited from entering the popular heritage site.
Misleading Poster Removed Soon After Discovery
According to senior police officials, the poster was spotted during the early morning hours near the fort’s main entrance, close to the vehicle parking area. It had been attached to an old metal board in a location where visitors frequently enter the monument. After local authorities were informed, the poster was taken down without delay to prevent confusion among tourists and visitors.
The notice, written in Marathi, stated that the fort belonged exclusively to Hindus and declared that Muslims were not allowed to enter the premises. It also included the phrase “by order,” apparently intended to make the message appear as an official government instruction. Police clarified that no department of the state government or local administration had issued such an order.
Police Continue Search for Those Responsible
Investigators have registered an NC offence and are examining available evidence to identify the person or group behind the poster. Officials said the inquiry remains in progress, and further action will be taken once those responsible are identified. Authorities have emphasized that the message had no legal or official basis and should not be treated as authentic.
ATS Questions Individuals Over Social Media Contacts
In a separate development, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has intensified its investigation into suspected online connections with Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti. On Tuesday, officials questioned 66 people from Pune district who were reportedly found to have been in contact with Bhatti through social media platforms.
The questioning was carried out at multiple locations with support from the Pune City Police Commissionerate, Pune Rural Police, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate. According to an official statement, the exercise began at 7 a.m. as part of an ongoing effort to examine possible attempts to influence young people through online communication.
Statewide Investigation Expanded
The latest questioning follows a broader statewide operation launched by the ATS on July 10. During that campaign, 102 individuals across Maharashtra were identified for questioning after investigators found indications of contact with Bhatti through various social media accounts. The operation involved 58 ATS teams working across the agency’s 14 regional units.
Preliminary findings, based on information gathered by the ATS and other agencies, suggest that Bhatti and his associates allegedly operated several genuine and fake accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Investigators believe these accounts were used to establish communication with Indian youth.
Security Agencies Warn Against Suspicious Online Contacts
The ATS has alleged that the network attempted to exploit religious and socially sensitive issues to create resentment and encourage radicalisation among young people. Officials also suspect that unemployed and financially vulnerable individuals were targeted with promises of money in exchange for participating in anti-national and anti-social activities.
Investigators are also examining allegations that the network may have been involved in gathering confidential information, facilitating drug trafficking, transporting illegal weapons, and developing sleeper cells or local operatives that could threaten national security.
The ATS has advised citizens, particularly young social media users, to remain cautious while interacting with unknown individuals online. Parents have also been encouraged to monitor their children’s online activities. The agency reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found participating in activities that endanger the country’s security.