Victory of sustained efforts by Hindus
(A ‘barav’ refers to an ancient stepwell, typically square or rectangular in shape.)
Manchar, Pune – The unauthorised entry made by the Waqf Board on the historic 12th-century barav (stepwell) and its surrounding area in Manchar (Taluka Ambegaon) has finally been removed by the Revenue Department. Following a prolonged struggle by devout Hindus and aware citizens to protect this ancient cultural heritage, the administration was compelled to withdraw the illegal entry.
🚨 Manchar, Pune: Unauthorised registration linked to the historic Barav canceled.
A victory that protects cultural identity of Hindus
“This victory serves as an inspiring example for preserving our history, culture, and identity. In the future as well, it is the need of the… https://t.co/tWAfwxw3zX pic.twitter.com/7svffDXi4I
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) March 28, 2026
“This decision is not merely a legal victory, but an important step towards preserving our cultural heritage,” said Shri. Pramod Bankhele, North Pune District President of the BJP Industry Cell, during a press conference in Manchar. Former BJP Taluka President Shri. Sandeep Bankhele, along with Shri. Mahesh Pingale, Shri. Ganesh Bankhele, Shri. Chaitanya Mahajan and office-bearers of various organisations, were also present.
A few days earlier, BJP MP Dr Medha Kulkarni had visited the site and led a protest against the encroachment at the Barav.
A victory for cultural identity
Encroachment had taken place over approximately 4 acres within the limits of Nighotwadi Gram Panchayat near Manchar. The name of the Waqf Board had been unlawfully recorded on this historic land. Shri. Pramod Bankhele and local Hindus had consistently demanded that the land be restored to government ownership and its historical character preserved.
With this successful outcome, the land has now been re-entered in the government’s 7/12 land records.
Key aspects of the struggle
1. Encroachment over 4 acres has been removed and the unauthorised Waqf Board entry has been deleted.
2. A demand has been made to Cultural Minister Shri. Ashish Shelar to transfer the site to the Archaeology Department for preservation of the historic barav and its inscriptions.
Remain vigilant to protect historical sites – Shri. Pramod Bankhele, BJP
Shri. Pramod Bankhele stated, “This victory is an inspiring example of preserving our history, culture and identity. In the future as well, it is essential for Hindu society to remain vigilant in protecting such historical sites.”
Illegal dargah and Waqf claim on historic Pandava-era barav in Manchar, Pune
March 13, 2026
BJP MP Dr Medha Kulkarni leads protest
(‘Barav’ refers to a step-well. It is usually quadrangular or octagonal in shape.)
Manchar, Pune – There is a historic Pandava-era Barav (step-well) here. At this site, ancient inscriptions, a gomukh (stone water spout), and intricate stone carvings are clearly visible, providing evident proof that the structure follows Hindu architectural tradition. Despite this, an illegal dargah has been constructed at the site and it has been declared as Waqf property.
Repeated complaints were submitted to the District Collector of Pune as well as to the Pune Rural Police; however, no action has been taken. Instead, the scale of the construction has increased. The Sub-Divisional Officer had found the place vacant six months ago, but now a structure resembling a graveyard has been constructed there. Not only that, but a grave of a person who died in 2021 has also been shown at the site. If no graveyard existed there six months ago, how can there be a grave of someone who died in 2021?
In protest against the administration for ignoring this serious issue, Dr Medha Kulkarni, Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, visited the site and led an agitation along with representatives of local pro-Hindu organisations.
Many workers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Bajrang Dal were present in large numbers during the agitation.
In this matter, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer has spoken with the Superintendent of Police of Pune Rural and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and has assured that action will be taken within eight days. MP Dr Medha Kulkarni has warned that if no action is taken, the agitation will be intensified.
Police high-handedness and insult to Hindu faith
An unfortunate incident occurred during the protest. When MP Dr Medha Kulkarni attempted to place a picture of a Hindu Deity at the site, the police snatched it from her hands. Questioning the police, she said, “They (Muslims) are not stopped from building a dargah here or applying green colour, so why am I being stopped from writing ‘Om’ and placing a picture of a Deity?”
Hindus are tolerant, but do not test the limits of their tolerance
At the time, Dr Medha Kulkarni told the administration that Hindus never disturb law and order or usurp anyone’s land; however, incidents such as stone-pelting on Shri Ganesh visarjan processions and encroachments on Hindu heritage will no longer be tolerated. “A Hindu is not aggressive, but do not test the limits of his tolerance,” she said.
