Pune, Feb 19 (NationPress) Pune Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandeep Singh Gill on Thursday refuted claims of a stampede occurring at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birthplace, Shivneri Fort.

He asserted that no such incident occurred there. Gill mentioned, "Since the early hours of Wednesday, a considerable number of visitors have been arriving at the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj in Shivneri, located in Junnar.

The influx of devotees persisted throughout the night. Upon exiting after the darshan, individuals first encounter the Meena Darwaza.

A group of approximately 15–20 individuals carrying a 'Shiv Jyot' (ceremonial torch) was making their way down. "One of our Sub Inspectors and five to six personnel were stationed there. This group was descending rather quickly and was instructed to slow their pace. However, one young person lost their footing, leading to seven to eight others tumbling down the steps. Three individuals sustained minor leg injuries. All are safe; there was no stampede-like incident," Gill noted.

He further explained that following this minor occurrence, the movement of individuals ascending and descending the fort is now being managed in a thoroughly controlled manner.

While acknowledging the earlier crowd surge (around 3:30 a.m.), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed gratitude towards the police and administration for their swift action in stabilizing the situation and ensuring the main ceremony’s safe progression.

On Thursday, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hindavi Swarajya, was commemorated with great fervor and devotion at his birthplace, Shivneri Fort, amid loud chants of 'Jai Jijau, Jai Shivray.'

A substantial crowd of devotees gathered at Shivneri for the special festivities. Each year, countless youths and activists from various organizations bring the Shiv Jyot to the fort from all parts of the state, and this year was no exception.

The ceremony was attended by notable leaders, including Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar, and Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar.

The dignitaries honored Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by laying floral tributes at his statue. The atmosphere brimmed with patriotic spirit as devotees (Shivpremis), clad in traditional attire, actively participated in the celebrations to the sounds of Dhol-Tasha and the rhythmic performance of Lezim, honoring the rich traditions of the Shiva era.

In his address, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the state government is guided by the principles of inclusive governance established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

He spoke about the "Rayat" (common people) and assured that funds for the development of Junnar and the Shivneri region would always be available. He urged citizens to unite and draw inspiration from the history of the Maratha Empire to confront modern challenges.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde emphasized that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the pioneer in establishing a "People's Government" (Ryoteche Rajya). He asserted that his administration mirrors this model by being accessible to the general populace and advocating for the "18 Pagad Jati" (all 18 communities/castes), just as Maharaj did.

In her address, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar underscored the historical importance of Shivneri. She called upon citizens to uphold the values of unity, self-respect, and cultural heritage stemming from this revered land.