NCP (SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande attacked with ink in Pune, leaders condemn act

Pune, May 9, 2026
NCP (SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande was allegedly attacked with black ink on Saturday at Mhatobachi Alandi in Pune district, triggering sharp political reactions and condemnation across parties. The attack occurred around 10 a.m. as Lawande was returning from a religious discourse (pravachan).

According to eyewitness accounts and a viral video of the incident, a group led by right-wing preacher Sangram Bhandare intercepted Lawande’s vehicle and flung black ink at the leader, manhandled him, and allegedly threatened him with a firearm before fleeing the scene.

The confrontation is believed to be rooted in Lawande’s recent controversial remarks. Following an article by Sharad Pawar regarding “infiltrators” in the Warkari sect, Lawande had released a list of 20 individuals — including prominent spiritual figures — labeling them as “regressive elements”. In the video, Bhandare can be heard shouting, “Say what you want to say about us, but do not criticize our gurus.”

Lawande has since staged a protest (Satyagraha) at the Loni Kalbhor Police Station, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits.

The police sources said that the case has been registered at the Loni Kalbhor Police Station against Sangram Bhandare and Akshay Kanchan, along with 10 to 12 others, for the attack on NCP spokesperson Vikas Lawande. The duo allegedly threw ink at Lawande.

The case has also been filed under the Arms Act of 1959, following Lawande’s allegation that a pistol was brandished before the ink was thrown.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sagar Kavade stated that the process of registering the case is underway. He noted that the incident occurred this morning, and action is being taken after reviewing the video footage.

The police sources further mentioned that they have no information yet regarding Lawande seeking police protection and that detailed information will be provided once the FIR process is complete.

Security has been tightened in and around Alandi to prevent any further clashes between political workers and religious groups.

The incident has sparked a wave of condemnation from the opposition, while government supporters urge for restraint.

The NCP(SP) legislator Rohit Pawar demanded that “The government must immediately crack down on all the thugs involved in this attack, and since threats to kill Lawande were made while carrying it out, he must be provided immediate police protection; otherwise, we will assume this assault was carried out with the blessings of those in power.

If anything happens to Lawande henceforth, the government will be entirely responsible, and it must take note of this.”

He further stated, “If no FIR is filed in the attack case on Vikas Lavande by this afternoon, I will personally go to the police station in the evening… The brotherhood shown by the great saints and the ideology of Shiv-Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar is the true #महाराष्ट्र_धर्म, and we will not let this ideology be erased by any extremists, thugs, or abusive Manuvadis…! Even if we have to give away our loincloth, we will strike the lazy skull with a stick..’’ – Jagadguru Sant Shri Tukaram Maharaj”.

The Maharashtra NCP(SP) chief strongly condemned those tendencies that tarnish the name of the Warkari sect and corrupt the culture of democracy. “If the police administration and the Chief Minister do not take action against such Maharajs who engage in ‘goondaism,’ then MLA Rohit Pawar and I will go to Bhandare Maharaj’s home, stage a protest through democratic means, and give them a fitting response in no uncertain terms,” he said.

The state NCP(SP) youth wing president, Mehbub Shaikh, noted, “Giving a violent form to ideological differences does not suit the culture of Maharashtra. It is essential to curb such tendencies. The entire state is watching whether the Home Minister takes impartial action or provides political protection to these goons.”

The state Congress spokesperson, Sachin Sawant, said, “The incident of ink being thrown at NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Vikas Lavande and threats to kill him truly validates the saying that an infiltration has occurred into the Warkari sect—this much is evident from it. Violence can have no place in the path of devotion.

Such fake individuals, by adopting self-proclaimed titles like Haribhakt, Parayan, or Acharya, seek not to propagate the Warkari sect but rather the ideology of the Sangh. Action must certainly be taken against Godse devotee Bhandare and his associates.”

However, the NCP legislator Sangram Jagtap has defended the throwing of ink on Vikas Lawande. In his reaction, he said, “I congratulate and support Sangram Bhandare. He expressed his sentiments in an excellent manner.

We must understand the motive behind his actions. Maharashtra and India have a unique tradition where many have dedicated their entire lives to the cause of religion. Yet, someone suddenly stands up and reads out a list like an official. As Hindutva activists, we congratulate Bapu on behalf of all of Maharashtra for the stand he took. It is also necessary to uncover who is instigating these people to speak against the Hindu religion.”

Meanwhile, the NCP (SP) has warned of state-wide protests if the perpetrators, specifically Sangram Bhandare, are not apprehended within 24 hours.(Agency)