Mumbai, Oct 24 – A shocking incident of alleged kidnapping and assault has emerged from Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district, where a group of 11 individuals reportedly attacked a 22-year-old man. The victim was subjected to severe physical violence, including being urinated on and verbally abused due to his caste, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

The incident occurred on the evening of October 19, when the victim and his friend were near a hospital in Sonai village, Newasa tehsil. The main accused, Sambhaji Lande, who had a prior rivalry with the victim, arrived with his accomplices and initiated a brutal attack, delivering kicks and punches. Reports indicate that the victim was also assaulted with sticks during this violent encounter.

When the victim’s friend attempted to intervene, he too was attacked by Lande and his group. Following the assault, the attackers forcibly placed the victim into a black Scorpio vehicle and transported him to an undisclosed location, where they continued to beat him, according to the First Information Report (FIR).

The assailants allegedly urinated on the victim and made derogatory caste-related remarks throughout the assault. After approximately an hour of being beaten, the attackers abandoned the victim near a college ground and fled the scene. The victim’s parents quickly took him to a local hospital, where medical professionals referred him to the Civil Hospital in the district headquarters for further treatment.

Law enforcement officials have registered a case against the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of voluntarily causing hurt, injury by dangerous weapon, and kidnapping. Additionally, they are being prosecuted under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. So far, three suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals involved.

In response to the incident, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar has called for stringent action against the accused under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). In a statement posted on X, Ambedkar expressed his support for the victim’s family after speaking with the victim’s father. He emphasized the need for appropriate legal measures against the perpetrators and indicated plans to meet with the victim’s family soon.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding caste-related violence in the Newasa tehsil and surrounding areas, which have previously garnered media attention for similar crimes.