Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 22 (ANI): Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC backed the FIR against three unidentified women for offering namaz in the premises of Shaniwar Wada in Maharashtra's Pune, saying that if restrictions are violated, action needs to be taken.

'An FIR has been registered under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules 1959, because if anyone violates restrictions that are applicable to a protected monument, action needs to be taken. This FIR was raised on the issue of certain sections choosing to be in the ASI-dominant spaces of monuments,' Shaina NC told ANI.

She further added that there was no need to make the issue about Hindu versus Muslim, but about what remains permissible under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

'Whether it's Shaniwar Wada or any place of religious belief, there needs to be a place where one can worship and when one doesn't. It is like saying that we want to go to Haji Ali Dargah and recite the Hanuman Chalisa. Nobody does it because we respect each other's religious beliefs. Whether it's Hindus or Muslims, we have always coexisted. So why make this into a controversy of Hindu versus Muslim? This is about what is permissible under the Archaeological Survey of India,' Shaina NC said.

A case has been registered against three unidentified women after a video showing them offering namaz on the premises of Pune's historic Shaniwar Wada went viral on social media, sparking protests by BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and members of other organisations.

According to the Pune City Police, the FIR has been filed under provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, for allegedly violating restrictions applicable to protected monuments.

The incident reportedly took place around 1.45 pm on Saturday, following which an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer lodged a formal complaint to Pune City Police.

The video led to protest demonstrations on Sunday by BJP MP (RS) Medha Kulkarni and other members of city based right wing outfit, they also performed Purification rituals at spot where namaz was offered, police have increase security deployment around Shaniwarwada.'We have invoked the relevant section of the AMASR Rules, which provides for penalties related to prohibited activities within protected monuments,' a police officer said.

Earlier, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane, commenting on a viral video allegedly showing women offering namaz at Shaniwarwada and the BJP performing 'purification' there, stated that Shaniwarwada is a symbol of Hindu valour and close to the community's heart.

Speaking to ANI, he questioned if Muslims would accept Hindus chanting Hanuman Chalisa at Haji Ali, emphasising that prayers should be offered at designated places. Rane supported Hindu workers who raised their voices on the issue.

'Shaniwarwada has a history. It is the symbol of our valour. It is very close to the Hindu community's heart. If you want to offer namaz there, will you be fine with Hindus going to Haji Ali and chanting Hanuman Chalisa? Will your sentiments not be hurt?... One should offer prayers only at the designated places. If Hindu workers raised their voice, then it is correct,' he said. (ANI)