Pune: Panic gripped visitors at the historic Shivneri Fort on Friday after a swarm of bees attacked them suddenly during celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. At least four people were injured in the incident, the forest officials informed.According to officials, thousands of people had gathered at the hill fort in Junnar taluka to pay homage at the birthplace of the Maratha warrior king on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, which was celebrated on March 6 as per the Hindu calendar. Amid the heavy footfall and festive atmosphere, a swarm of bees reportedly emerged from a hive within the fort premises and began attacking people nearby, triggering chaos among the crowd. Witnesses said the sudden attack forced many visitors to run for safety.“People started shouting and running in different directions when the bees began stinging them,” said Prasad Mohite, one of the visitors present at the site. The commotion briefly disrupted the otherwise orderly celebrations.Among those injured were Vikas Mohan Jamadar and Dhananjay Vijay Dambhe, both residents of Chikhli, along with two other individuals whose identities could not be confirmed immediately. The injured were rushed to the rural hospital in Junnar for treatment.Medical officials at the hospital said two of the injured required further medical attention and were admitted for observation. “Their condition is stable, and they are responding well to treatment,” a hospital official said on condition of anonymity. Authorities believe the bees may have been disturbed due to environmental factors and increased human activity around the hive.Forest department officials said rising temperatures, strong scents such as perfumes or sprays, and loud noises can sometimes provoke bees into aggressive behaviour.“During large gatherings in forested or hilly areas, bee colonies can get disturbed easily. Visitors must remain cautious and avoid activities that could trigger such reactions,” a forest department official said.Following the incident, officials advised pilgrims and tourists visiting the historic fort to remain vigilant and avoid approaching beehives in the surrounding rocky terrain. The forest department has also begun inspecting the area to identify potential bee colonies and assess whether precautionary measures are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.Despite the brief panic, Shiv Jayanti celebrations continued at the fort.
