Full Breakdown
Alleged Assault on Retired Pune Cantonment Medical Officer
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Divya Shinde, a former contestant on *Bigg Boss Marathi 6* and a social-media “reel star,” is accused of demanding INR5 lakh from Dr Vidyadhar Gaikwad, a 65-year-old retired chief medical officer of the Pune Cantonment Board. Gaikwad, who left the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) post in 2021, is a member of the Karunadeep Foundation, which organized the Kala Avishkar Mahotsav at Balgandharva Rangmandir from September 1 to 3. According to the complaint, Shinde claimed to have promoted the festival despite having no formal invitation or agreement, and began pressing for the payment through calls and messages in August.
Timeline of Alleged Assault
- September 17 – Shinde, accompanied by a group, arrived at Gaikwad’s doorstep; the doctor was not home and the visitors allegedly threatened his wife and son before leaving.
- September 23 – Gaikwad was summoned to a hotel where the INR5 lakh demand was reiterated, accompanied by a threat of a home assault if payment was not made.
- September 24 (night) – Around 8:30 p.m., a contingent of eight to ten people, including Shinde and Anna Dhamdhere of Pimpri, forced entry into Gaikwad’s residence. The complainant reports that he was kicked and punched in the face, abdomen and back, and that attackers used sticks, belts, a sharp weapon and an iron utensil. Gaikwad, who identified himself as a paralysis patient, pleaded for mercy, but the assault continued. The suspects also threatened his family, seized his car, and damaged household items.
Police Action and Charges
Kalepadal Police have registered a case against Shinde, Dhamdhere and the other participants under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions for attempted murder (308), grievous hurt, criminal intimidation (109), and assault with a deadly weapon. Assistant Police Inspector Amit Shete is overseeing the investigation.
Injuries and Ongoing Treatment
Gaikwad sustained serious head injuries requiring stitches, along with facial wounds, and was admitted to Sassoon General Hospital for treatment. The complaint notes that his paralysis condition was exacerbated by the assault.
Broader Implications
The case highlights concerns over extortion attempts by public figures and the use of intimidation to secure personal promotion fees. If convicted, the accused could face substantial prison terms under the listed statutes, underscoring the legal risks of leveraging celebrity status for unlawful financial gain.