Increase in violent incidents related to elections

With the upcoming assembly elections, the state has witnessed a surge in election-related crimes, with at least five cases reported across the state. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the electoral process.

In a recent incident, clashes were reported on Wednesday in Nashik and Jalgaon districts. In Nashik’s Hirawadi district, a tussle broke out between BJP and NCP-SP workers over alleged distribution of money to influence voters. NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule appealed to Nashik Police Commissioner to take action. Meanwhile, in Jalgaon’s Muktainagar area, Shiv Sena workers allegedly attacked NCP-SP workers, resulting in injuries. Rohini Khadse, the NCP-SP candidate, staged a protest outside the Bodwada police station over alleged police inaction.

Another violent confrontation took place in Nashik on Friday at Hanuman Chowk, where BJP corporator Mukesh Shahane accused individuals of distributing money. The row escalated when Shahane’s associates were attacked with sharp weapons, prompting the intervention of Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters. MLA Seema Hirai and senior BJP leader Pankaja Munde condemned the violence, with Munde saying, “Such incidents during elections, especially when a woman is running, are highly condemnable. I asked the police to register a case of attempted murder.”

In Pune district, NCP (SP) candidate and sitting MP Ashok Pawar said his 30-year-old son was abducted and forced to record an obscene video with an unidentified woman.

The incident, which was reported on November 9, led to an FIR at the Shirur police station. According to the complaint, Rushiraja Pawar lured Bhau Kolpe on the pretext of meeting potential party supporters. Then he was taken to a bungalow, imprisoned and forced to undress. The police have charged four persons under sections of the IPC and BNS, with the accused alleging that they were offered ₹10 crores to make the video go viral.

In another incident in Ahmednagar, BJP leader Vasant Deshmukh was booked for making derogatory remarks against Jayashree Thorat, daughter of senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, during a rally organized by Sujay Vikhe Patil. This led to a clash between supporters of the two parties, leading to arrests and lawsuits against Congress workers for staging an illegal protest outside the Sangamnagar police station.

Tension flared in Jogeshwari, Mumbai when two Shiv Sena factions clashed on Tuesday evening. Despite police intervention, during the protest, Sena (UBT) workers outside Matoshree Club started pelting wooden sticks and stones over alleged distribution of money. The incident resulted in injuries and three criminal proceedings, including charges of attempted murder and depravity.

Political scientist Mahesh Sane explained such incidents as the competitive nature of elections. “Fierce battles often lead to attention-grabbing actions. When political points dry up, these kinds of controversies arise at the end of the campaign,” he said, pointing to the ongoing split in the major parties as a contributing factor.

Praveen Dixit, former director general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, emphasized the importance of impartial police investigations. “The police must first establish the facts before registering cases as rivalry can lead to false accusations. Caution is crucial in such politically charged situations,” he advised.

While the police assured the public of strict action to curb the violence, opposition parties criticized the government for failing to maintain law and order during the election.

The rise in poll-related crimes underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect the democratic process. Citizens deserve the right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation, and the government must ensure free and fair elections.