A disturbing incident in Maharashtra triggered political outrage and public concern after a group assaulted Pravin Gaikwad, the state president of the Sambhaji Brigade, during a public event in Akkalkot, Solapur, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The attackers manhandled Gaikwad and threw black ink at him in front of onlookers. Political parties condemned the act across the board, with Congress demanding strict action. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that authorities had arrested the accused.
Gaikwad is a respected figure who is known for his progressive views and social activism
While attending a function organized by the Sakal Maratha Samaj during which the assault have occurred. A viral video have captured this shocking moment when he was pulled out of his car and attacked by a group of individuals and allegedly affiliated with the Shivdharm Foundation. The attackers have reportedly targeted by the Gaikwad over his remarks on Swami Samarth a revered spiritual figure, and have objected to the naming of his organization as “Sambhaji Brigade” instead of using their full title “Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.”
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar have raised the issue
During the Maharashtra Assembly, calling it a “murderous attack” and questioning the absence of police security at the event. He have demanded accountability from the government and criticized the failure of intelligence of agencies to anticipate such violence. Wadettiwar have also highlighted the criminal background of one of the accused, Deepak Kate, who has prior charges including the illegal possession of firearms and a jail term for murder.
Chief Minister Fadnavis have responded
Confirming that the police had arrested Kate and six others under some relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He have assured that the Assembly that appropriate legal action would follow and emphasized that the government does not tolerate such acts of violence.
The incident has triggered a wave of solidarity towards Gaikwad
Leaders from various parties, including NCP (SP) and AAP are expressing their support. Supriya Sule, MP from Baramati have condemned the attack and praised Gaikwad’s contributions towards the society, especially for his efforts to empower all the young entrepreneurs. She called for a thorough investigation and urged the government to expose those masterminds behind this assault
Gaikwad had himself described the attack as a conspiracy to silence and progressive voices and compared it to the past assaults on the rationalists like Narendra Dabholkar and Gauri Lankesh. He held the state government responsible for the security lapse and vowed to continue his work undeterred.