Sambhaji Brigade Leader Pravin Gaikwad Attacked with Ink at Solapur Event, Tensions Erupt

Pravin Gaikwad, state president of the Maratha outfit Sambhaji Brigade, was targeted with black ink during a public event organised by the Fattesingh Education Institute and Sakal Maratha Samaj in Akkalkot, Solapur district.

While walking toward the venue with his supporters amid firecrackers and a band procession, a man approached him, held his arm, and poured ink on him. Two more individuals followed, with one smearing ink on his face.

As Gaikwad tried to leave the scene, his vehicle was reportedly chased, an associate was assaulted, and the car was damaged. The attackers shouted slogans such as “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” and demanded a change in the name of his organisation.

Shivdharma Foundation Claims Responsibility

The Shivdharma Foundation took responsibility for the attack. According to reports, the group’s Indapur president, Deepak Kate, led the assault.

The organisation has long opposed the name “Sambhaji Brigade,” arguing it improperly references Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. They have demanded a name change to “Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Brigade.”

In the past months, the Shivdharma Foundation had organised rallies in various districts including Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur to press for their demand. Kate had also led a protest outside the Vidhan Bhavan recently and was detained.

Who Is Deepak Kate?

Deepak Kate is the secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha and coordinator for western Maharashtra. In January, he was detained at Pune airport after airport security discovered cartridges and magazines in his bag.

He claimed to be unaware of the contents and called it a conspiracy. The Sambhaji Brigade had then demanded a probe into the incident.

Aftermath of the Incident

Despite the attack, Gaikwad was felicitated at the event by Shivvyakhyatak Shivratna Shete.

Later, he was bathed in milk in Pandharpur by Sambhaji Brigade members in a symbolic show of solidarity. He did not immediately comment but later underwent an eye check-up.

Later, Gaikwad called the attack an attempt on his life and blamed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis for the security lapse.

Drawing parallels with the murders of rationalists Dr. Dabholkar, Kalburgi, Pansare, and Gauri Lankesh, he said the attack reflected a broader ideological threat against progressive voices.

Political Reactions and Condemnations

The incident sparked condemnation from several political leaders. NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Amol Kolhe said that while ideological differences are natural, attacking someone in this manner is cowardly.

He demanded clarity from the government on who was behind the assault and urged steps to maintain Maharashtra’s cultural harmony.

MLA Jitendra Awhad said it was a premeditated attempt to kill Gaikwad. He alleged that Gaikwad had been tracked for days and that the group’s intent was clearly violent.

He questioned the lack of police protection and hinted at a broader conspiracy.

Rohit Pawar of the NCP Sharad Pawar faction demanded a thorough probe into whether Gaikwad was targeted for exposing certain groups. Supriya Sule, MP and NCP (SP) leader, called the incident “shameful” and urged strict action against the perpetrators.

Police Action and Charges

Solapur Rural Police arrested two individuals, including prime accused Deepak Kate and Bhavaneshwar Shirgire, by the evening.

Police booked seven others for assault and rioting under sections 115(2), 189(2), 191(2), 190, and 324(4) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further sections may be invoked as the investigation progresses.

A viral video of the attack showed Gaikwad being pulled out of his car, smeared with black ink, and manhandled. The police had to intervene quickly to restore order and prevent further escalation.

Ideological Clashes Behind the Attack

Police sources suggest the attack stemmed from the Shivdharma Foundation’s long-standing objection to Gaikwad’s references to historical and religious figures.

The group also opposed his remarks on Swami Samarth. Eyewitnesses said the event descended into chaos, prompting its abrupt end.

Gaikwad later stated the attack was ideologically motivated and aligned with efforts to silence progressive thinkers.

He compared it to earlier attempts to break political or social movements and said it was an attack on the ideology of social reform.

History and Background of the Sambhaji Brigade

The Sambhaji Brigade, named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has a strong presence in Western Maharashtra and Marathwada.

It gained notoriety in 2004 after it was accused of vandalising the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune over its association with James Laine’s controversial book on Shivaji Maharaj. Members were later cleared of all charges.

Gaikwad alleged that misconceptions about the Brigade were deliberately spread by followers of Hindutva ideology. He reaffirmed that the organisation worked for humanity and stood by constitutional values.