Saswad Iftar Assault: Delegation Demands Attempt to Murder Charges, Immediate Arrests from Pune Rural Police

Pune, 16th March 2026: A delegation led by advocate Tosif Shaikh on Monday met Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill, demanding the addition of attempt to murder charges and immediate arrests in connection with the alleged assault on Muslim youths during an Iftar gathering in Bhivari village of Saswad.

According to the delegation, the incident took place on March 13 at around 6:30 pm when nearly 14 Muslim youths were allegedly attacked and seriously injured by a mob while they were having Iftar in Bhivari village under the jurisdiction of Saswad Police Station.

Following the incident, police registered FIR No. 103/2026 under Sections 118(1), 189(2), 190, 191(2)(3), 351(2)(3), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 4/25 of the Arms Act, 1959 and Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act.

However, members of the delegation alleged that Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has not been invoked despite the seriousness of the injuries sustained by the victims. They also claimed that more than 72 hours after the incident, no arrests have been made. According to them, some suspects who were briefly detained were later released despite being identified by the victims.

The delegation, accompanied by the injured victims and their family members, urged the SP to add appropriate sections, including attempt to murder, and ensure the immediate arrest of the accused.

Those present in the delegation included advocates Suraj Jadhav and Kranti Shaane, along with Prashant Jagtap, Mohsin Shaikh, Anis Sundke, Swati Gaikwad, and Rahul Dhambale, among others.

SP Sandeep Gill heard the victims and their families and assured them that strict action would be taken in accordance with the law. He also stated that if any police officials are found helping the accused or acting against the law, strict disciplinary action would be taken against them.

Speaking after the meeting, Tosif Shaikh alleged that the attack appeared to be pre-planned. He questioned how a mob of around 200 to 250 people could unlawfully assemble and carry out the assault despite a police chowky being located barely 100 to 200 metres from the spot.

He also raised concerns about why attempt to murder charges were not initially invoked despite what he described as prima facie evidence of grievous injuries suffered by the victims.