Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured after stones were thrown at his car in Nagpur district on the evening of November 18. Deshmukh, a leader of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), was returning from a poll meeting when the attack occurred.

The incident took place on Katol Jalalkheda Road, near Belphata, as Deshmukh was traveling back to Katol from Tinkheda Bishnoor Road after concluding a meeting in Narkhed village. His car was suddenly pelted with stones by unknown assailants.

Deshmukh, who was seated in the front passenger seat, sustained injuries, with blood visible on his head and staining his white kurta. Videos and photos of the attack showed the vehicle’s windshield shattered and broken glass scattered inside. He was immediately taken to Alexis Hospital in Nagpur for treatment.

Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar confirmed that an investigation was underway and the authorities are working to identify the attackers.

A large group of Deshmukh’s supporters gathered outside the Katol police station, demanding swift action against those responsible.

Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat condemned the attack, calling it “fatal,” and stressed the lack of rule of law in Maharashtra. He urged the police to arrest the attackers immediately and called on the Election Commission to ensure law and order during the elections.

This attack comes on the final day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. The votes will be counted on November 23. Deshmukh’s son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting the Katol assembly seat on the NCP ticket against BJP’s Charansingh Thakur.