New Delhi: Activists and volunteers from Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine were assaulted by Hindutva groups while peacefully demonstrating in Karve Nagar, Pune, India. According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, the confrontation erupted as the group distributed pamphlets advocating for Palestine and condemning the violence in Gaza.
The incident escalated when a verbal altercation initiated by a smaller group of 10-15 individuals turned violent. The situation intensified with the arrival of BJP leader Mahesh Pavle, who appeared with a larger mob of 50-100 people, leading to an assault on the activists.
Female participants reportedly faced targeted threats of rape and death, with some individuals having their clothing torn during the attack. Despite attempts to seek justice, the activists faced challenges as police allegedly refused to acknowledge their complaint and pressured them to withdraw it.
The tension in Pune remains high as four activists were detained following the incident. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and the contentious nature of demonstrations related to the conflict in Gaza.