Pune: Hadapsar Assembly Candidate Attacked in Pune for Opposing Illegal Constructions

Kondhwa, 9th November 2024: A social worker, who is contesting the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections from the Hadapsar constituency from Prahar party, was assaulted by a group of five in Pune for raising his voice against encroachments and illegal constructions. The attackers reportedly accused him of causing financial losses to builders and demanded compensation before assaulting him. This incident occurred in the Kondhwa Khurd area on 7th November 2024.

The victim, Mohammad Juber Iqbal Memon (38), a resident of Kondhwa, filed a complaint at the Kondhwa Police Station. A case has been registered against Builder Ramzan, Aamir Kazi, Abdul Shaikh, and two unidentified individuals.

The charges include violations of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 189 (unlawful assembly), 191 (rioting), 118 (voluntarily causing grievous harm with dangerous weapons), 352 (intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace), 37 (acts without right of private defense), and 135 (assault or criminal force in wrongful confinement).

According to police reports, the complainant, Mohammad Memon, is a social worker known for his stance against illegal constructions, encroachments, unlicensed liquor sales, and gambling. In the past four months, he has filed complaints against 38 builders with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), prompting PMC to take action in some cases.

On 7th November, when Memon arrived at his shop in Badshah Nagar, Kondhwa, the accused were waiting for him. Accusing Memon of causing financial losses, they began assaulting him, using an iron weapon. After the attack, Builder Ramzan reportedly told the others to hold back, stating they would need Memon to compensate for their losses as well. The complainant was hospitalized and subsequently filed a report with the police.

Police Sub-Inspector Kisan Shankar Rathod from Kondhwa Police Station is leading the investigation.