Tue Nov 19 11:53:42 UTC 2024: ## Former Maharashtra Minister Anil Deshmukh Injured in Stone-Pelting Attack

**Nagpur, Maharashtra, November 19, 2024** – Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured on Monday evening when unidentified assailants hurled stones at his car in Nagpur district. The incident occurred near Belphata on Jalalkheda Road, as Mr. Deshmukh was returning from a meeting. He sustained injuries to his head and shoulder and was admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur.

Police have registered a case of attempted murder against four unidentified individuals. Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar stated that a forensic team has collected evidence from the scene and a deputy SP is leading the investigation. Senior police officials and the district collector have also visited the site. Mr. Poddar appealed for calm and urged the public to disregard rumors.

The attack occurred on the eve of the Maharashtra assembly elections, prompting accusations from the NCP (SP). Party spokesperson Pravin Kunte alleged a conspiracy involving Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, BJP MLC Parinay Fuke, and BJP’s Katol assembly candidate Charansingh Thakur. Kunte claimed a lack of police security at Deshmukh’s residence and criticized Fuke for suggesting the incident was a political stunt. The NCP (SP) has demanded a high-level investigation.

Mr. Deshmukh’s son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting the Katol assembly seat for the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) against Mr. Thakur. The NCP (SP) has attributed the attack to desperation by political opponents facing electoral defeat.

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