Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: An assistant inspector suffered serious head injuries and five other policemen were hurt after a group of people allegedly attacked a Latur crime branch team with sticks and iron rods, hurled chilli powder into their eyes and damaged a police vehicle during a midnight raid in Palshi village of Hingoli district.
The mob then allegedly pelted stones at the police vehicle and smashed its windowpanes, causing damage estimated at Rs 10,000.
The team led by assistant inspector Pandurang Mane was confronted by a group of men and women who allegedly formed an unlawful assembly and attacked the police personnel to prevent the arrest, according to the FIR. Police said the assault not only left six personnel injured but also obstructed officers from carrying out a lawful arrest operation. Mane sustained a serious head injury after being struck with a rod. Sub-inspector Amar Kendre was also hit on the head, while four other personnel suffered other injuries in the assault. The attackers allegedly threw chilli powder into the policemen’s eyes, hampering their response and allowing the accused to resist arrest. All injured police personnel were taken to the Hatta primary health centre for treatment before returning to Latur. Following the attack, Hingoli police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, assault on public servants, unlawful assembly and rioting. The incident prompted a swift police response. Additional SP Kamlesh Meena reviewed the situation and dispatched multiple teams to track down the accused. Three Hingoli police teams have been pressed into service to apprehend those involved in the attack. The investigation is being conducted by sub-inspector Amar Kendre.