Sambhaji Brigade’s Praveen Gaikwad was blackmailed and ink-attacked in Akkalkot by Shivdharma Foundation members. Political leaders including Sharad Pawar and Vijay Wadettiwar have condemned the act and demanded strict action.
Akkalkot | 14 July, 2025: In a shocking incident, Sambhaji Brigade state president Praveen Gaikwad was blackmailed and attacked with black ink during a visit to Akkalkot in Solapur district. The attack reportedly took place while Gaikwad was attending an event organized by Fattesingh Shikshan Sanstha and Sakal Maratha Samaj.
According to initial reports, members of the Shivdharma Foundation and self-proclaimed Shiv devotees were involved in the incident. They allegedly objected to Gaikwad invoking Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s name under his organization’s banner, which they claimed was inappropriate. Additionally, tensions escalated over the perceived disrespect toward Swami Samarth, whose name was reportedly mentioned in a context that angered the group.
Amid the backlash, black ink was thrown on Gaikwad, making it a symbolic act of public humiliation. Notably, the attack occurred during a felicitation ceremony arranged in his honor. Even after the incident, the program continued, and Shivvyakhate Shivratna Shete formally felicitated Gaikwad.
Gaikwad, when approached by the media, chose to remain silent for now, stating, “I will not speak on this issue right now. We will present our position after giving a reply at the right time.”
Meanwhile, political reactions have begun pouring in. Sharad Pawar is reported to have spoken to Gaikwad in the aftermath of the attack. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also condemned the act, calling it “a cowardly attack on a leader working for the Bahujan community in the legacy of Shiv, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar.”
Wadettiwar warned of a potential law and order crisis if swift action isn’t taken, and demanded that the Home Minister identify and act against the BJP-affiliated attackers and the alleged mastermind.
The incident has once again stirred debate over freedom of expression, ideological clashes, and rising intolerance in socio-political discourse.
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