AKOLA (2 March 2026) — Rahul Karade, the Akola city chief of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), was allegedly targeted in a violent attack on Sunday night while returning to the city from his native village. Unidentified assailants intercepted Karade’s vehicle in the Umri area, reportedly using swords and iron rods to vandalise the car. While Karade escaped physical injury, he alleged that the attackers intended to kill him.
Incident Overview and Police Action
The assault took place late Sunday night within the jurisdiction of the Civil Lines police station. Karade immediately contacted Akola Superintendent of Police (SP) Archit Chandak to report the threat before filing a formal complaint.
According to police officials:
- The Attack: Masked individuals allegedly attacked the car in Lokhande Layout, Umri. Witnesses reported that the assailants were heard shouting death threats during the vandalism.
- CCTV Probe: The Civil Lines police have registered a case and are currently reviewing footage from nearby security cameras to identify the individuals involved.
- Investigation: Forensic teams conducted a spot inspection of the vehicle, which sustained significant damage to its windows and bodywork.
Political Condemnation
The incident has triggered a sharp political reaction in the region. Nitin Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA for the Balapur constituency, visited the site and strongly condemned the attack. Deshmukh described the event as a cowardly attempt to silence political voices and demanded that the Akola police expedite the arrests of those responsible.
This incident adds to a series of recent political frictions in Akola, where local functionaries have called for increased security measures for opposition leaders.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary’s car attacked in Maharashtra’s Akola; probe on” (2 March 2026)
- The Times of India: “Masked men vandalise car of Sena (UBT) Akola chief” (2 March 2026)
- Mid-day: “Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s car attacked in Akola; police launch probe” (2 March 2026)
- Rediff News: “Shiv Sena UBT Leader’s Car Vandalized in Akola; Police Investigate” (2 March 2026)
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