Shaniwar Wada, Pune's iconic 18th-century monument, was evacuated on Saturday morning following a bomb threat call received at the police control room. Responding swiftly, the police deployed a bomb disposal squad to the site. However, after a thorough search, no suspicious items were found.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Sandeep Singh Gill, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-1, stated, "Around 9am on Saturday, a random call was registered in the police control room, threatening that a bomb was planted in a bag at Shaniwar Wada. We have traced the call to Beed district."
Police Sub Inspector Vishal Gyaneshwar Patil, from Vishrambaug Police Station, mentioned, "In response to the call, a police team, a bomb disposal squad, and a team of firefighters were dispatched to the spot for investigation. Firstly, we evacuated the Shaniwar Wada premises, conducting a thorough search both inside and outside the monument. However, no suspicious bag or material was found."
Shaniwar Wada celebrated its 292nd anniversary on January 22 this year. Completed on January 22, 1732, just two years after its conception by Peshwa Bajirao I, the monument reportedly cost ₹16,120 for construction. Unfortunately, Shaniwar Wada experienced several fires between 1791 and 1828, with a major one occurring in 1828, leaving only the outer walls of the historical monument remaining.
Today, it stands as a popular tourist spot, with ongoing efforts to restore its historical grandeur.
