Pune: Woman's Face Blackened After Allegedly Throwing Footwear at Shivaji Maharaj Statue (WATCH)

A woman in Pune's Sasane Nagar sparked outrage after allegedly throwing footwear at a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. Locals apprehended and blackened her face before police took her into custody.

In a controversial yet shocking incident that took place in Pune’s Sasane Nagar, a woman allegedly threw her footwear at the statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was covered in a protective glass enclosure, sparking massive outrage among the residents and devotees of the former Maratha king.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a woman was seen being severely beaten by a group of protesters, who surrounded her and confronted her over the shocking disrespect. The footage of the incident was captured on CCTV, which brought the attention of the locals.

Since Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a deeply emotive figure in Maharashtra's cultural and historical fabric, any act of disrespect or desecration involving his statue is likely to trigger strong reactions from the public.

How The Incident Unfolded?

In Sasane Nagar, a woman, according to the footage on CCTV, was seen walking near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, removing her footwear, and hurling it directly toward the glass-enclosed statue before attempting to leave the area as onlookers quickly noticed the brazen act.

The woman also reportedly threw stones at the structure, which led to the locals identifying her and swiftly apprehending her before she could escape. A furious local used ink and blackened her face as a form of public retribution, while others gathered in large numbers to demand strict legal action against her.

The locals of Sasane Nagar detained the woman until the police arrived at the spot and took her into custody. The incident has spread widespread outrage in Pune, given the former Maratha King’s immense stature and the deep reverence he commands across the state.

A woman abused and threw slippers at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Pune. 

Locals caught her, other women blackened her face, and handed her over to the police. pic.twitter.com/tQY1tI5aRw

— Team Hindu United (@TeamHinduUnited) August 11, 2026

Pune is one of the cities where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj holds immense historical and cultural significance, making the alleged act particularly sensitive among locals. The alleged act by the woman became a flashpoint for widespread condemnation across political and social circles, with locals demanding strict legal action while the video of the incident continued to circulate widely on social media.

Social Media Reacts To Alleged Disrespect Of Shivaji Maharaj

The viral video of a woman hurling footwear and stones at the statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and her subsequent confrontation with locals triggered a wave of reactions on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with users expressing outrage over the alleged act.

Taking to their X handles, many users condemned the alleged act and expressed support for strict legal action, while others criticised the locals for resorting to public humiliation and physical violence. Several users argued that, regardless of the alleged offence, the woman should have been handed over to the police.

Some users strongly supported the locals for confronting the woman, arguing that any alleged disrespect towards a revered historical figure should be taken seriously.

If someone shows the same kind of disrespect toward Maharana Pratap, Prithviraj Chauhan, Mihir Bhoj, Anangpal Tomar, or any other revered historical figure, the response should be the same: the matter should be taken seriously, the person should be handed over to the police, and…

— Bhagwati Occult (@BhagwatiOccult_) August 11, 2026

I'm shocked and overwhelmed every time I see such CRAZY individuals doing crazy things to grab media attention!!! WHY should anyone throw chappals at our Heros, our devotional figures? What's wrong with this generation?

— LuvvCNN (@LuvvCNN) August 11, 2026

Why would anyone throw slippers at Shivaji Maharaj’s Statue,I mean what anyone can think bad of him.

— 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝒮 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓊𝒽𝒶𝓃🇮🇳 (@prashantchauha_) August 11, 2026

This is wrong what she did to statue of shivajiji but what those people did with her is worse ..the police should have dealt with such people both sides are wrong

— Beach 4sale (@Beachtoyboy) August 11, 2026

Proud of the locals who stood up for Shivaji Maharaj. Real respect. 🔥

— william Kumar (@williamKum57733) August 11, 2026

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the pride of every citizen; anyone who insults him will not be spared and will deserve punishment. https://t.co/ZZ6yx0cVut

— Naresh Rana 🇮🇳 (@Rana009) August 11, 2026

Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj is praised by almost every Hindu. I do not understand what is the reason of this hate against his statue.

— Rinks (@Rinks48) August 11, 2026

A lot of people have no work but to get offended. She did wrong, but it's also astounding to see so many people leaving their work to do this. Simple police complaint would have done everything.

— Nalayak Sarkari Babu (@nalayakbabus) August 11, 2026

Disrespecting a revered historical figure is bound to spark outrage. But once the person is caught, let the law take its course—public humiliation or mob punishment only makes things worse. ⚖️🙏

— JungleVibes 🐅 (@Shani_Rajput786) August 11, 2026

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more revered like a deity to millions, making the incident a deeply sensitive flashpoint that continues to fuel intense debates online regarding public sentiment versus the rule of law.

Since the political parties in Maharashtra, including Shiv Sena (UBT), Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress have historically maintained strong positions on matters involving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the incident could also draw political reactions if the controversy escalates further.