Pune, February 9, 2024: On Friday evening, senior journalist Nikhil Wagle's car was assaulted by a group claiming to be BJP workers while he was en route to the "Nirbhay Bano - Fight for Democracy and Freedom of Expression" event in Pune. The attackers, protesting Wagle's recent comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leader LK Advani, threw ink, stones, and eggs at the car.
Despite the incident, Wagle, accompanied by activist Vishwambhar Choudhary and human rights lawyer Asim Sarode, managed to reach the venue and deliver his planned speech. In his address, Wagle condemned the attack, forgave the assailants, and accused the BJP of fostering an "undeclared emergency" suppressing dissent and freedom of expression.
This event follows a case filed against Wagle by BJP leader Sunil Deodhar, accusing the journalist of making defamatory statements against Prime Minister Modi and LK Advani. The complaint stemmed from Wagle's comments on Advani being awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The attack has garnered condemnation from opposition leaders, including NCP's Supriya Sule, who praised Wagle as "a voice of truth and a beacon of journalism." Various journalists and activists have expressed solidarity with Wagle, denouncing the assault as an attack on democracy and freedom of expression.
The incident reportedly led to a clash between BJP and MVA workers at the event venue, eventually controlled by the police. An ongoing investigation is in progress.