Anil Deshmukh injured as stones hit his car in Nagpur

Nagpur: Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh suffered serious injuries after an unidentified group attacked his vehicle with stones in Nagpur district on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred near Belphata on Katol-Jalalkheda Road as the NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader was returning from a campaign meeting in Narkhed village.

Seated in the front passenger seat, Deshmukh sustained a head injury in the attack. Videos and images from the scene showed blood dripping from his forehead and staining his white kurta. He was immediately rushed to Alexis Hospital in Nagpur, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

The vehicle’s windshield was shattered, and glass shards were scattered across the car’s interior, reflecting the force of the assault. Eyewitness accounts and visuals have added to the growing outrage over the attack.

Police Investigate the Incident

Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police, Harssh Poddar, confirmed that an investigation has been launched. “We are working to identify those involved in this incident and ensure justice is served,” he said.

In the wake of the attack, a large crowd of Deshmukh’s supporters assembled outside the Katol police station, demanding swift arrests and accountability.

Political Outrage Over Law and Order

Political leaders across Maharashtra condemned the incident. Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat called the attack a glaring example of the deteriorating law and order in the state.

“It is shocking that a former home minister of Maharashtra, Anil Deshmukh, was targeted in such a manner. This raises serious concerns about the safety of political leaders during elections. The culprits must be apprehended immediately,” he said. Thorat further urged the Election Commission to take steps to ensure peaceful campaigning and transparent elections.

Heightened Tensions Ahead of Polls

The attack comes on the final day of campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20. The stakes are high in Katol, where Deshmukh’s son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting as an NCP candidate against BJP’s Charansingh Thakur.

The violent incident has added a layer of tension to an already heated election season. With vote counting set for November 23, authorities are under pressure to maintain law and order and safeguard political leaders across the state.

Call for Justice

As investigations progress, the focus remains on delivering swift justice and ensuring the safety of public figures during the election period. The attack on Maharashtra’s former home minister Anil Deshmukh has amplified calls for stricter security measures and accountability in the state’s political landscape.