Pune, February 9, 2024: Senior journalist Nikhil Wagle's car was attacked by a group of alleged BJP workers on Friday evening while he was en route to an event titled "Nirbhay Bano - Fight for Democracy and Freedom of Expression" in Pune. The attackers reportedly threw ink, stones, and eggs at the car, protesting against Wagle's recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leader LK Advani.
Despite the attack, Wagle, along with 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 and stated that he forgave the attackers. He went on to accuse the BJP of creating an "undeclared emergency" in the country that stifles dissent and freedom of expression.
The incident comes in the wake of a case registered against Wagle by BJP leader Sunil Deodhar, based on a complaint accusing the journalist of making defamatory and provocative statements against Prime Minister Modi and LK Advani. The complaint followed Wagle's comments on Advani being awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The attack on Wagle has drawn swift condemnation from opposition leaders, including NCP's Supriya Sule who called him "a voice of truth and a beacon of journalism." Several other journalists and activists have also expressed their solidarity with Wagle and denounced the attack as an assault on democracy and freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the incident sparked a clash between BJP and MVA workers at the event venue, which was eventually controlled by the police. An investigation into the attack is currently underway.
