Sinhagad Fort Bee Attack: Toddler Among 25+ Injured After Tourist Throws Stone at Hive
A serene Sunday afternoon at the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune turned into a scene of panic on March 8, 2026, when a swarm of bees attacked visitors, injuring scores of tourists, including a one-and-a-half-year-old child. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about visitor safety and irresponsible behavior at popular tourist destinations.
Panic at Tanaji Malusare Samadhi
The attack occurred between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM near the ‘samadhi’ (memorial) of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, one of the most crowded areas on the fort . According to eyewitnesses, the chaos began when a tourist allegedly threw a stone at a beehive. In a bid to escape the agitated insects, the individual ran toward a congested part of the fort, inadvertently causing the swarm to follow and sting multiple other visitors .
The sudden attack sent tourists scrambling for cover, with screams echoing through the historic premises as people rushed to escape the aggressive bees.
Discrepancy in Victim Numbers
While forest officials officially maintained that seven to eight people were injured in the bee attack, volunteer rescuers on the ground presented a drastically different account. Tanaji Bhosale of Haveli Aapatti Vyavasthapan, a group involved in rescue operations at forts in Pune district, claimed that the number of affected visitors could be between 25 and 27 people .
“The injured tourists were assisted and shifted in private vehicles to nearby medical facilities,” Bhosale stated, highlighting the immediate grassroots response before official machinery could fully mobilize .
The Victims: From Toddler to Elderly
Among those seriously injured were a one-and-a-half-year-old child, identified as Yuwash Sonar, and a 67-year-old man from Satara, Nandkumar Gharge . The toddler injured in bee attack Pune was among the first to receive medical attention, highlighting the vulnerability of young children in such wildlife encounters.
All injured individuals were initially rushed to the primary health centre in Khanapur. Depending on the severity of the bee stings, some were later shifted to nearby multi-speciality hospitals for advanced care .
Official Response and Traffic Halt
Range Forest Officer Manoj Barbole confirmed that forest department officials and disaster management teams reached the fort promptly after the incident. In a precautionary measure to prevent further disturbance and ensure visitor safety, vehicular movement on the Sinhagad Ghat road was temporarily halted .
Authorities worked to calm the situation, and by approximately 6:00 PM, the area was declared to be under control . The swift response by officials prevented what could have escalated into an even greater tragedy, given the crowded conditions typical of a Sunday at the fort.
A Recurring Problem at Sinhagad Fort
This is not an isolated incident at Sinhagad Fort. Similar bee attack triggers have been reported in the past, often linked to human interference with natural habitats. In June 2022, at least 11 picnickers were injured near the Kalyan Darwaja area when a tourist accidentally disturbed a beehive while climbing a tree for a photograph . In May 2024, another incident near Kalyan Darwaja saw tourists throwing stones at a bee colony, resulting in a panic situation and minor injuries .
These recurring events underscore a troubling pattern of irresponsible tourist behavior and the constant threat posed by disturbed wildlife, even in popular tourist spots.
Calls for Stricter Enforcement and Awareness
The latest Sinhagad Fort safety lapse has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of regulations and better awareness among visitors. Forest officials and local volunteers have repeatedly emphasized the need for tourists to respect the natural environment.
“Awareness is key,” said a forest official involved in the rescue operations. “Visitors must understand that throwing stones or provoking animals and insects in their natural habitat can have severe consequences, not just for themselves but for everyone around them.” .
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the injured are receiving necessary medical care. This incident serves as a stark reminder that amidst the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of places like Sinhagad Fort, safety must remain a priority for every visitor. The focus now shifts to preventing such Pune tourist spots safety lapses in the future, ensuring that history and nature can be enjoyed without endangering lives.
