Pimpri Chinchwad Police Investigate Assault Involving Apna Watan Organization President in Wakad

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 13th December 2024: Citizens were beaten by a group of 10-12 people in the Pimpri Chinchwad area. A case has been registered against Siddique Shaikh, president of the Apna Watan Organization, and others. The incident occurred in Wakad’s Kala Khadak slum on 11th December at 8 PM. The allegations concern the reason these individuals visited Siddique’s office.

Prakash Sunil Gaikwad (33, resident of Wakad) has filed a complaint with the Wakad Police Station. A case has been registered against Siddique Shaikh, Nayu Pathan, Gangaram Vetal, Somnath Devkar, and two women. The charges include unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal trespass, assault, and others.

According to police reports, the accused arrived while the complainant was at home. They started kicking the house, shouting, “Why did you go to Siddique Shaikh’s office?” Accused Pathan grabbed the complainant’s collar and pushed him. The house furniture was damaged, with some of it being used to beat the complainant. The complainant’s wife was dragged outside and treated inappropriately. Additionally, Kala Khadak residents Nilesh Owhal and Balasaheb Shinde, along with their families, were also beaten and abused by the accused. Police Sub-Inspector Jadhav from Wakad Police Station is further investigating the matter.

Conflict Over the Slum Rehabilitation Project
Some residents of the Kala Khadak slum and the Apna Watan Organization have been involved in a dispute for months. In April, some residents even protested against the organization. The Kala Khadak slum is in the process of being rehabilitated, but the Apna Watan Organization opposes the rehabilitation, claiming it is a scam. However, some residents of Kala Khadak are against the organization, saying its members are opposing the project despite not being residents.

Sources have told Punekar News that this may be the cause of the incident.