Stone Pelting Attack On Anil Deshmukh’s Car Leaves Ex-Maharashtra Minister Injured

On the evening of November 18, 2024, Anil Deshmukh, the former Home Minister of Maharashtra and a leader of the NCP (SP), was attacked with stones, causing him head injuries.

This incident took place in Belphata as he was on his way back to Katol, near Nagpur. Following the attack, Deshmukh, aged 74, received initial medical attention at Katol's civil hospital before being transferred to Alexis Super Speciality Hospital in Nagpur for further treatment.

Deshmukh's involvement in the local politics is significant, especially as he is actively campaigning in the area where his son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting as the NCP (SP) candidate. The attack sparked immediate outrage among MVA supporters, who rallied to the Katol police station, demanding the prompt arrest of the perpetrators. In response to the turmoil, Harrsh Poddar, the Superintendent of Nagpur Rural Police, announced that an investigation was underway, though no conclusions had yet been drawn.

Prominent political figures swiftly condemned the attack. Balasaheb Thorat, a senior Congress leader, expressed his dismay over the law and order situation in the district, calling for urgent action by the Election Commission. NCP SP's chief spokesperson, Mahesh Tapase, highlighted the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the attack on a former home minister warranted serious examination to determine if it was politically motivated.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, Supriya Sule, the NCP (SP) working president, denoted the attack as both unfortunate and alarming on X.com. She emphasized the unprecedented nature of such violence during election times and criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in Nagpur district. Echoing Sule's sentiments, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut labeled the attack as particularly disturbing, given its occurrence in Nagpur, the city of the current Home Minister. Raut questioned whether the attack was a calculated political conspiracy or an attempt on Deshmukh's life, especially in light of Deshmukh's recent exposés in his book.

Prior to this incident, Deshmukh had served as the Home Minister in the previous MVA government. His career, however, was marred by allegations of money laundering and corruption, which led to his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. This attack not only highlights the perilous climate of political rivalry but also raises questions about the safety and security of public figures in the run-up to elections.