Pune: Bhakti Kumbhar Hailed As Heroine For Protecting Journalist Nikhil Wagle During BJP Attack
Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 10th February 2024: In a recent incident in Pune, journalist Nikhil Wagle’s car came under attack while he was en route to the ‘Nirbhay Bano’ meeting on Friday.
The assailants, who were workers of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and other organisations, targeted Wagle’s vehicle, prompting a swift response from a courageous young woman who valiantly shielded the car from the attackers.
The video footage capturing the attack has since gone viral, showcasing the bravery displayed by the young woman, identified as Bhakti Kumbhar, an office bearer and vice president of Pune City of the NCP Sharadchandra Pawar. As the chaos unfolded, Bhakti confronted the attackers, pushing them aside and shouting to ensure Wagle’s safety.
Despite facing a crowd, Bhakti stood her ground, preventing any harm to Wagle and his companions. Her resolute actions garnered widespread praise on social media platforms, with MP Supriya Sule commending her bravery and acknowledging her pivotal role in safeguarding Wagle and Asim Sarode.
The attack on Wagle’s car and the ensuing tension in Pune on Friday night underscored the volatile atmosphere surrounding the ‘Nirbhay Bano’ program. Despite police advisories cautioning against attending the meeting, Wagle remained determined to proceed. Following the attack, Wagle, along with Asim Sarode and Vishwambhar Choudhary, convened a meeting at the Rashtra Seva Dal office near Dandekar bridge to address the situation.
पत्रकार निखिल वागळे आणि सहकाऱ्यांच्या गाडीवर हल्ला करीत असताना भाजपाच्या उन्मादी टोळीने घातलेला धुडगूस अक्षम्य होता. यावेळी वागळेंच्या गाडीला संरक्षण देण्यासाठी सरसावलेल्या भक्ती कुंभार आणि इतर भगिनींना देखील भाजपाच्या गुंडांनी मारहाण करुन अर्वाच्य शिवीगाळ केली. एकीकडे बेटी बचाव… pic.twitter.com/6CGefBe2Iw
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) February 10, 2024
As investigations into the incident continue, a case has been registered against 43 individuals, including BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate and 10 persons have been arrested till now.
