Pune: Journo covering construction on disputed land among 4 injured in attack, 5 held

The case of the land dispute is currently pending before the Sub Division officer and civil court. As per the FIR, Morde has constructed tin sheds on the disputed land against which Thorat has registered a separate complaint. Among those injured in the attack are Kale himself, Barve, Thorat and Kale’s son Santosh. After the incident, an FIR was registered at Manchar police station and five persons including Morde’s two sons were arrested. All those arrested are currently out on bail. Police said Morde was yet to be arrested as he sustained a fracture during the altercation.

The FIR by Kale states, “When Barve and her cameraperson were recording the news video about the issue, Morde, his two sons Nilesh and Prashant and at least eight to nine more people were present there. Morde suddenly attacked Barve from behind with a wooden stick. Because of the blow, Barve fell on the ground but Morde continued to beat her. Me, my brother-in-law Vijendra Thorat, my son Santosh tried to intervene. We too were attacked by Morde’s two sons and eight to nine others. The attackers threatened to kill us.”

An official from Pune Rural police said, “Immediately after the incident, an FIR was registered and three persons were arrested on the same day, July 4. Two more were arrested the next day. After the arrest they were remanded to police custody. They were subsequently granted bail.