Pune: State Minority Commission Seeks Report on Askarwadi Iftar Assault, Flags Community unrest
Pune, 1st April 2026: The Maharashtra State Minority Commission has written to the Pune rural superintendent of police seeking a detailed report on the Askarwadi assault case, stating that the incident has led to widespread dissatisfaction among members of the Muslim community.
In a letter issued on Monday, commission secretary Minaj Mulla stated that the incident occurred during the holy month of Ramzan and called for strict action against those involved under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The commission has directed the police to submit an immediate report on the action taken so far.
The incident took place on March 13 near Askarwadi lake close to Bopdev Ghat in Purandar taluka, where 14 men had gathered for iftar. According to police, a group of around 150 persons allegedly arrived at the spot on motorcycles, abused the victims over their religious identity and attacked them with sticks and sharp weapons. Several of the victims sustained injuries, with some requiring hospital treatment.
The victims, mostly residents of Kondhwa and Camp areas, were reportedly targeted over their attire and religious practices. While some managed to flee, others were assaulted during the incident.
Following the attack, an FIR was registered at Saswad police station. However, the delay in arrests had drawn criticism from sections of the public and opposition parties. Members of the Samajwadi Party had also staged a protest outside the superintendent of police’s office in Pashan, demanding immediate action.
Police last week arrested eight accused in connection with the case and produced them before a court, which remanded them to police custody. Further investigation is underway.
