Pune: A 38-year-old woman from Baner, two of her relatives, and her driver were thrashed by a gang of five men on Thursday evening for supporting a candidate in the civic elections.
The Baner police have registered a case of rioting and voluntarily causing grievous hurt against five accused following a formal complaint lodged by the victim. According to a police officer, the complainant is a relative of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate contesting from Baner-Balewadi ward (No. 9). The violence reportedly stemmed from the family’s vocal support for the NCP candidate during the election cycle. “On Thursday evening, while polling was still underway, the accused arrived at the woman’s residence. They began verbally abusing her for her political affiliations. When her driver attempted to intervene and protect her, the men thrashed him,” the officer stated. The assault escalated as the group proceeded to beat the woman, two of her relatives, and one other individual present at the scene. Before fleeing, the attackers allegedly threatened the family with “dire consequences” once the election period concluded. The Baner police said their investigation was on, but no one had been taken into custody yet. “We are currently conducting a search for the accused and recording further statements,” the officer added.
