Victims and Activists Meet Pune Rural SP, Demand Strict Punishment and Additional Sections Against Accused In Askarwadi Incident

Pune, 16th March 2026: A delegation of activists on Monday met Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill, demanding the addition of an attempt to murder charges and immediate arrests in connection with the alleged assault on Muslim youths during an iftar gathering near a lake in Askarwadi village on Friday.

Members of the delegation which also includes the injured victims claimed that despite the seriousness of the injuries sustained by the victims, the police had not invoked an attempt to murder, dacoity and criminal comspiracy charges. They also alleged that more than 72 hours after the incident, no arrests had been made and that some suspects who were briefly detained were later released despite being identified by the victims.

The incident took place on March 13 around 6.30 pm when a group of 14 Muslim youths were allegedly attacked by a mob using sticks and sharp weapons while they had gathered for iftar.

Police from the Saswad Police Station registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with sections of the Arms Act and the Bombay Police Act.

The delegation members claimed that Gill heard their concerns and assured that action would be taken against the accused in accordance with the law. He also said strict disciplinary action would be initiated if any police personnel were found aiding the accused or acting in violation of the law.

“This brutal incident has created fear, insecurity and deep concern among the Muslim community in Saswad and surrounding areas. Such organised communal violence threatens not only the safety of citizens but also the constitutional principles of equality, secularism and rule of law” a letter submitted by the delegation stated demanding strict legal action, an impartial investigation and full protection to the victims and witnesses.

A group of activists and political leaders including the corporations of the Pune Municipal Corporation also met the SP with a seperate delegation demanding his intervention and strict action against the accused.