Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Feb 7: Even as voting for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections was underway across the state, a shocking incident of political violence was reported from Khed taluka in Pune district on Saturday.
In the Ambethan–Pait group area, Sharad Butte Patil, former Zilla Parishad member and husband of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Zilla Parishad candidate Sunita Butte, was seriously injured in a deadly attack allegedly stemming from political rivalry.
According to information, unidentified assailants intercepted Sharad Butte Patil on the road amid the polling rush and launched a sudden assault on him using sharp weapons. The attack triggered panic and tension in the area. Butte Patil suffered severe head injuries and profuse bleeding.
He was immediately rushed by locals and party workers to a private hospital near Vasuli Phata, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Hospital sources said his condition is now stable and he is out of danger.
Reacting to the incident, Sharad Butte Patil said he was safe following the attack and had received timely medical treatment. He appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers and not be intimidated. “After the incident, people may feel there is fear in the village, but that will not happen. Our area has a strong tradition. Those who carried out this attack are outsiders; no one from our village is involved. I have not accused any local leader from any party, and the atmosphere in the village remains good,” he said.
The attack comes at a sensitive time, as Sharad Butte Patil had recently quit the Bharatiya Janata Party and joined the NCP in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. His switch ahead of the elections had reportedly caused discontent among political rivals, leading to speculation that the assault may be linked to election-related animosity.
Following the incident, heavy police deployment has been made in the area to prevent any further untoward incidents. The violent attack on the sacred day of polling has drawn strong reactions, with widespread condemnation of the bloodshed during elections.