Tension has risen in Ahilyanagar following the death of Dhiraj Pardeshi, a contract worker associated with the municipal corporation's Electricity Department, who died during treatment after being seriously injured in an assault in the Mukundnagar area.
Pardeshi was reportedly carrying out electrical work near the Dargadaira graveyard on August 7 when he was attacked. He suffered severe injuries and was admitted to a private hospital. Despite receiving treatment for three days, he died on Sunday, August 9. Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the case, while the investigation is continuing.
What happened to Dhiraj Pardeshi?
According to reports, Pardeshi had gone to the Mukundnagar area along with other workers to carry out electrical repairs and lighting work. During the work, a group allegedly attacked him.
Reports say he sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. His condition remained serious throughout his treatment, and he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Police have identified four arrested suspects as Yunus Sheikh, Mehraj Syed, Siraj Syed and Mustaqeem Syed. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether additional people were involved.
The exact motive behind the assault has not yet been conclusively established, according to local reporting.
Family alleges he was targeted because of his Hindu identity
Following Pardeshi's death, members of his family and some local leaders alleged that the assault was not simply the result of an old dispute and claimed that his Hindu identity and support for Hindutva played a role.
His family has also alleged that Pardeshi was targeted while wearing a tilak and that the attack was connected to his support for Hindu causes.
These claims have become a major part of the public debate surrounding the case. However, police have not yet publicly established the alleged religious motive, and the investigation is expected to determine what led to the confrontation.
Protests and calls for action
Pardeshi's death has triggered protests in Ahilyanagar, with Hindu organisations demanding strict action against everyone responsible for the assault.
Local political leaders, including MLAs Sangram Jagtap and Akshay Kardile, have also become involved in the protests. There have been calls for a citywide shutdown, while municipal employees have raised concerns about the safety of workers carrying out essential services.
Pardeshi's wife has reportedly demanded that her husband's last rites be conducted at the location where she believes he was attacked.
Municipal employees announce strike
The incident has also affected civic services. Municipal employees have announced an indefinite strike, demanding action against those responsible and better protection for workers deployed in sensitive areas.
Employees have questioned how civic workers can safely perform essential duties if they face threats while working in the field.
Police appeal for calm
With tensions rising after Pardeshi's death, police have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading unverified information.
Authorities have said the investigation is continuing and that appropriate action will be taken based on the evidence. The case has also received attention at the state level, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaking with protesters and assuring them that those responsible would face action according to law.
A court has reportedly granted the arrested suspects 10 days of police custody, allowing investigators additional time to question them and examine the circumstances surrounding the assault.
Investigation will determine the motive
The death of Dhiraj Pardeshi has understandably caused anger among his family, colleagues and sections of the local community. At the same time, the precise circumstances and motive behind the assault remain matters for the police investigation.
The allegations regarding a religious motive should therefore be clearly distinguished from the facts established by investigators. The identities and actions of the arrested suspects, the events immediately preceding the assault and whether anyone else was involved will be determined through the ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
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