Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh Injured in Stone-Pelting Attack in Nagpur
In a shocking incident, former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured after unknown assailants threw stones at his car in Nagpur district on the evening of November 18. Deshmukh, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was returning from a poll meeting when the attack occurred. The assailants targeted Deshmukh’s vehicle while he was traveling along Katol Jalalkheda Road, near Belphata, shortly after he concluded a political engagement in Narkhed village.
Details of the Incident
The stone-pelting attack took place when Deshmukh was en route to Katol from Tinkheda Bishnoor Road. While traveling with his team, his car was suddenly struck by stones, shattering the windshield and causing broken glass to scatter inside the vehicle. Deshmukh, who was seated in the front passenger seat, sustained injuries to his head, with visible blood on his forehead and his white kurta stained.
Immediately following the attack, Deshmukh was rushed to Alexis Hospital in Nagpur for medical treatment. The NCP leader’s injuries, though serious, were reported to be non-life-threatening. Videos and photos from the scene, which circulated on social media, captured the damaged vehicle and the chaotic aftermath of the assault.
Police Investigation and Political Reactions
Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar confirmed that a formal investigation into the incident was underway. Authorities are working diligently to identify the individuals responsible for the attack and determine the motive behind it. Local police have promised to take swift action in response to the violence.
As news of the attack spread, a large group of Deshmukh’s supporters gathered outside the Katol police station, demanding immediate justice and the swift arrest of the culprits. Many supporters expressed outrage over the attack, calling it an attempt to undermine democratic processes during the high-stakes election period.
Political Leaders Condemn the Attack
Prominent political figures quickly condemned the assault, with Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat describing the attack as “fatal” and criticizing the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. Thorat emphasized the need for strong action and urged the Maharashtra police to arrest the attackers without delay. He also called on the Election Commission to take strict measures to ensure law and order during the ongoing elections.
The timing of the attack, on the final day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections, raised concerns about the safety of political leaders and the integrity of the electoral process. Deshmukh’s son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting the Katol assembly seat on the NCP ticket, facing BJP’s Charansingh Thakur in a fierce electoral battle.
Impact on Maharashtra Elections
This violent incident has added further tension to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the elections. The attack underscores the rising political tensions and the use of violence as a tool in local electoral contests. As Maharashtra prepares for the vote counting on November 23, this attack highlights the need for heightened security and greater vigilance by election authorities to ensure the safety of candidates and maintain peace during the electoral process.
With political rivals and citizens alike calling for accountability, the attack on Anil Deshmukh has raised important questions about the state’s governance, law enforcement capabilities, and the safety of public figures during crucial election times. The coming days are likely to see greater scrutiny on how authorities address this incident and whether it will have lasting implications for the state’s political climate.
