YAVATMAL: A 20-year-old youth attacked social worker and RTI activist Digambar Pajgade (52) with a sharp weapon on Tuesday morning and injured him. Passersby rushed Pajgade toGovernment Medical College, where he was admitted in the emergency ward.
The attacker inflicted deep wounds on the head of Pajgade, a resident of local Jamankar Nagar. The attacker, Mayur Vadafale, a resident of village Wagapur, fled the spot after throwing the sharp weapon on the roadside. The police have seized the weapon.
Pajgade’s wife Vandana (47) lodged a complaint at Wadgaon Road police station under section 394 of IPC and launched a manhunt for the attacker.
Vandana said she and her husband Digambar were going on the bike to the market. She had Rs 5,000 in her purse. The attacker Mayur appeared to be waiting for Digambar, and intercepted the bike. The couple got down from the bike, and Mayur immediately attacked Digambar with a sharp knife (sattur) and inflicted a deep would on the head. Mayur snatched away a gold chain and cash Rs 5,000 from Vandana before fleeing the spot.
Investigating PSI Naresh Randir said the police suspect old rivalry behind the attack.
Digambar Pajgade is known for his RTI activities and has filed a number of criminal cases in various courts including the high court against big wigs involved in land scam and misappropriation of MP’s local development fund.
Pajgade had also lodged a complaint with SP Ranjan Kumar Sharma about the threat to his life and sought police protection. He has also filed a complaint with the IGP and demanded a probe into the activities of Vadafales.