Pune, February 10, 2024 – Journalist Nikhil Wagle faced a violent attack on Friday in Pune as he headed to a Nirbhay Bano meeting near Dandekar Bridge. The assailants, reportedly a group of BJP workers, targeted Wagle’s car, leading to the registration of a case against 43 individuals, including BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate. Simultaneously, another case has been filed against Wagle and the organizers of the Nirbhay Bano Sabha.
The attack involved the vandalism of Wagle’s car, attempts to throw ink on the vehicle’s body, and pelting stones at the car. Despite a prohibitory order issued for the event, a large gathering persisted, resulting in a case for the violation of norms.
The context of the attack traces back to Wagle’s previous criticism of Prime Minister Modi following the Bharat Ratna award to LK Advani. This critique drew the ire of BJP workers, who opposed Wagle’s Nirbhay Bano Sabha. The BJP had issued warnings, indicating disruption if the meeting proceeded as planned. Despite police advisories against attending the meeting, Wagle remained steadfast in holding the event.
Following the assault, Wagle, along with Asim Sarode and Vishwambhar Chaudhary, convened a meeting at the Rashtra Seva Dal office to discuss the implications and the way forward in response to the escalating tensions.
The clashes between Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti workers at the meeting venue underscore the polarized atmosphere surrounding such political events.
