Attack attempt on OBC leader Laxman Hake in Solapur, three youths detained

An attempt to attack OBC community leader Laxman Hake has been reported from Solapur. Hake had stopped to eat with his associates at Hotel Nisarg near Pakani Phata in North Solapur taluka when some youths began arguing with him. Tension prevailed around the eatery for some time after the incident. Police have detained three youths in the case.

According to information received, Hake was accompanied by police personnel when he stopped to eat at the eatery near Pakani Phata with his associates. Some youths entered the eatery and began arguing with him. As the situation worsened, Hake and his associates shut the eatery's door, Hake said. Police then intervened and detained the youths. The area remained tense for some time after the incident.

Speaking to the media after the incident, Laxman Hake alleged that the youths who tried to attack him were workers of Manoj Jarange Patil. He also claimed the youths were intoxicated. According to Hake, when they had stopped to eat, one person initially began shooting a video of them while some others argued with him, after which the situation turned tense. Hake claimed that despite police security being present, an attempt was made to attack him.

Following the alleged attack, Hake reacted sharply. He said this was not just an attack on him but an attempt to suppress the voice of the OBC community. He also claimed he had faced attacks before this. Hake said, "Even if Laxman Hake loses his life, we will not let the voice of the OBC community be silenced." He also said reservation cannot be secured by attacking OBC leaders.

The political atmosphere in the state is heated over demands for Maratha reservation. An agitation led by Manoj Jarange Patil is underway at Antarwali Sarati, and he has taken the stance of moving the agitation towards Mumbai if the demands are not met. Against this backdrop, accusations and counter-accusations are being traded on both sides over the OBC and Maratha reservation issue, and it is in this context that the Solapur incident has come to light. Police have detained three youths and are investigating the real cause of the incident, whether an attempt to attack was actually made, and what connection the youths have to the incident. Hake's allegation that the youths were "Jarange supporters" is yet to be established by the police investigation. Further official information in this case will therefore be significant.