Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh sustained serious injuries this evening when his car was pelted with stones in Nagpur district. The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader was returning from a poll meeting when the incident occurred.
Deshmukh was travelling from Tinkheda Bishnoor Road to Katol after addressing a gathering in Narkhed village. The attack took place near Belphata on Katol-Jalalkheda Road.
A video showed blood dripping from Deshmukh’s head as he sat in the car’s front passenger seat, his white kurta stained with blood. The vehicle’s windshield was shattered, and broken glass littered the interior. Deshmukh is currently receiving treatment at Alexis Hospital in Nagpur.
Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify the attackers.
The attack sparked outrage among Deshmukh’s supporters, who gathered outside the Katol police station, demanding swift action.
Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat condemned the attack, calling it a “fatal assault.” In a post on X, he criticised the state government, stating, “The assault on a former home minister in Nagpur district shows a complete breakdown of law and order. The attackers must be arrested immediately.”
Thorat also urged the Election Commission to step in, citing concerns over deteriorating law and order ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections.
Deshmukh’s son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting from the Katol assembly constituency on an NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) ticket, facing BJP candidate Charansingh Thakur. Voting is scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.
