A controversial poster with the caption "Muslims Not Allowed" on it was found near the entrance of Sinhagad Fort in Pune today, leading to a police investigation.
The poster was found near the entrance of the popular tourist spot, said officials. It was seen as a government notice, so the visitors thought it was an official government notice, which confused them at first. But the officials did confirm that the poster was not issued by any government department and was unauthorized.
When they received information about the incident, Forest Department officials who control the fort area removed the poster to avoid further confusion and keep order.
Police have since launched an investigation to find out who put up the poster. CCTV footage from the area and evidence are being used to catch the culprits they have so far.
The poster was intentionally written to look like an official notification, so this is a serious matter, the police said. And they are looking into whether the law on public mischief, forgery, or promoting communal disharmony was violated.
Sinhagad Fort is located on the outskirts of Pune and is Maharashtra’s most visited historical landmark, attracting thousands of tourists from all parts of the community every year. It is worrying that such a poster on a public heritage site is aimed at generating social discord.
Police have asked the public not to believe or spread the misinformation about the incident. The public needs to trust the official statements, they said, not to have any illusions about the case.
The Forest Department said there are no official restrictions on religion for visitors to the fort and that the unauthorized poster did not represent government policy.
Once those responsible are identified, appropriate action will be taken. Police will conduct further investigation, and we suspect that after surveillance footage and other evidence are reviewed, further details will emerge.
I see that there was an explosion of comments on social media, and I see how people want to see action against people who display misleading and possibly divisive messages in public spots.
