Pune:An unsettling incident at the historic Sinhagad Fort in Pune has sparked a wave of criticism online after a video surfaced showing a group of local youths allegedly compelling a foreign tourist from New Zealand to utter abusive words in Marathi.
The tourist had visited the iconic fort to learn about the rich heritage of the Maratha empire, but instead faced humiliation when a group of young men taught him vulgar phrases in Marathi and encouraged him to repeat them for amusement. In the video, the tourist is seen initially unaware of the meaning behind the words, but as the group’s laughter escalates, he appears to sense that something is off. Reports indicate that the tourist later expressed disappointment and may have vowed not to return.
The video, which has now gone viral, has ignited public anger, especially among followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who view the fort as a symbol of bravery and cultural pride. Many have condemned the incident as a serious breach of Maharashtra’s tradition of hospitality, citing the principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God).
The footage was shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by associates of MP Omraje Nimbalkar, prompting a flurry of calls for accountability and disciplinary action against those involved. There is growing public demand for stricter regulation at heritage sites to ensure that such disrespectful acts do not tarnish the state’s image or deter future tourists.
