Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande, 50, was allegedly attacked by three masked men in the Shivaji Park area when he was out on his morning walk. The incident took place around 7.15am near Raja Rani Travels. The attackers reportedly told Deshpande in Hindi “tu Raut aur Sardesai ke baare mein bahot bolta hai”.
Attacked with cricket bats and stumps, he suffered a fracture in his hand and injuries to the hip and right leg. He was treated at Hinduja Hospital and discharged after a few hours. Deshpande is known for his outspoken nature and, in the past, has stirred controversies with his blunt statements.
MNS office-bearer: Attack was political
Earlier, there was speculation that hawkers against whom Deshpande was complaining were behind the attack. But an MNS office-bearer said the attack was political in nature. Deshpanderesides near Ruparel College and every morning comes to Shivaji Park Maidan for a walk. It is not clear who the “Raut” and “Sardesai” the attackers were reportedly referring to.
The Shivaji Park police, which are investigating the attack, have recorded Deshpande’s statement and registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons. The police are now analysing the footage from CCTV cameras from the spot where the incident happened.
A case has been registered in the matter under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation with an intent of grievous injury or death), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 34 (common intent) of the Indian Penal Code, and also under section 7 (molesting a person to prejudice of employment or business) under the Criminal Amendment Act.
Reacting to the incident, NCP youth leader and MLA Rohit Pawar said, “It is a matter of serious concern. In a state where political leaders are attacked imagine what must be a common man’s plight. The State Government should wake up to the situation. Three attacks on political leaders have taken place in recent times. Today, it was MNS leader SandeepDeshpande and earlier it was Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray who was attackedduring his tour. In another incident, Congress MLC Pradhyna Satav was targeted.”
Who is Sandeep Deshpande?
Sandeep Deshpande is the general secretary of MNS and also the spokesperson of the party. Deshpande has served as a former corporator for the Raj Thackeray-led party in Shivaji Park area. He is dubbed as one of the trusted men of Thackeray.
