Anil Deshmukh, former Home Minister of Maharashtra and senior leader of the NCP (SP), sustained head injuries after his car was attacked with stones while he was returning to Katol near Nagpur on Monday evening. Deshmukh, 74, was immediately taken to the civil hospital in Katol for initial treatment and later transferred to Alexis Super Speciality Hospital in Nagpur.
Deshmukh, who is actively campaigning in the region for his son Salil, the NCP (SP) candidate, was reportedly targeted while traveling through Belphata. Following the attack, supporters of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) marched to Katol police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the incident. “I am headed to the spot. The deputy SP and inspector are already at the location. We have started the investigation but have not reached any conclusions yet,” he said.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders. Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat expressed concern over the law and order situation in the region, where Deshmukh served as Home Minister. “There is no law and order in the district. I demand immediate intervention from the Election Commission,” Thorat said.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase called for serious attention from the Election Commission, suggesting that the attack could be politically motivated. “A former Home Minister being pelted with stones is unacceptable. The Election Commission must take cognizance of this,” Tapase stated.
Supriya Sule, working president of NCP (SP), also condemned the attack on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling it “unfortunate and alarming.” She added, “No one has ever attacked rivals during elections in this manner. The law and order situation in Nagpur is indeed concerning.”
Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut also voiced his concerns, stating, “This attack occurred in Nagpur, the city of the current Home Minister. It is unfortunate, and we must examine whether this was a political conspiracy or an attempt to harm Deshmukh. Just days ago, he released a book making several revelations. I condemn the attack.”
Anil Deshmukh, who served as Home Minister in the previous MVA government, had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with allegations of money laundering and corruption.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
