Pune: BJP City President Ghate Among 43 Booked For Attack On Journalist Wagle

Pune, 10th February 2024: Journalist Nikhil Wagle faced a violent attack in Pune on Friday. The incident occurred while Wagle was en route to attend a Nirbhay Bano meeting near Dandekar Bridge, where he was targeted by a group of BJP workers who attacked his car.

A case has been registered against 43 individuals, including BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate, in connection with the assault on Wagle. Simultaneously, another case has been filed against Nikhil Wagle and the organizers of the Nirbhay Bano Sabha.

The attack involved the vandalism of Wagle’s car, with attempts to throw ink on the vehicle’s body. Stones were also pelted on the car. Despite a prohibitory order issued for the event, a large gathering persisted, leading to the registration of a case for the violation of norms.

Notably, Wagle had previously criticized Prime Minister Modi following the awarding of the Bharat Ratna to LK Advani. His post on the matter drew the ire of BJP workers, who then opposed Wagle’s Nirbhay Bano Sabha. The BJP had issued warnings, indicating disruption if the meeting proceeded as planned. Despite police advisories against attending the meeting, Wagle remained resolute in holding the event.

Following the attack, Wagle, along with Asim Sarode and Vishwambhar Chaudhary, convened a meeting at the Rashtra Seva Dal office to discuss the implications and the way forward.

The clashes between Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti workers at the meeting venue have highlighted the polarized atmosphere surrounding such events.