By Tejas
Pune, October 1, 2024: An altercation erupted between OBC leader Lakshman Hake and Maratha activists in Pune’s Kondhwa area. During the clash, Maratha activists accused Hake of being under the influence of alcohol.
In response to these allegations, Lakshman Hake stated that while the police would investigate the claims made against him, he believes there was a premeditated attempt on his life.
Following the incident, Kondhwa police took Hake to Sassoon Hospital, where he underwent a medical examination. Preliminary reports indicated that Hake was not intoxicated at the time. However, his blood samples were sent to a medical lab for further confirmation, with results expected within two days.
Meanwhile, based on Hake’s complaint, the Kondhwa police registered a case against 20 to 25 Maratha activists involved in the altercation. No action has been taken against Hake thus far. This confrontation is seen in the context of Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s demand to extend reservation benefits to the Maratha community from the OBC category, a move strongly opposed by Hake.
Meanwhile, the video clips of the incident have since gone viral on social media, showing some individuals leading Hake away from the scene by holding his hand. Hake later claimed that he had been followed throughout the day and that an attack was attempted as he left a friend’s house after dinner. On the allegations of alcohol consumption, Hake refused all the allegations and termed it an attempt to defame him.
A senior police official revealed that Hake is usually under police protection, but on the day of the incident, he declined the service, citing a personal dinner at a friend’s home. This left him without security during the confrontation.
It was also reported that Hake had recently criticised Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati’s visit to Manoj Jarange Patil, a move that allegedly angered Maratha activists and may have contributed to the clash.
