Ramdas Athawale slapped: RPI (A) calls for bandh in Maharashtra

Members of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) have called for a statewide bandh today (December 9) after their party chief and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale was slapped during an event in Ambarnath city.

Soon after the incident took place, scores of RPI (A) workers assembled outside Athawale's residence with party flags, raising slogans. Furthermore, one of the leaders, Kakasaheb Khambalkar, claimed that the attack was "pre-planned."

"It was a pre-planned attack. The mastermind should be nabbed. We've called for a Maharashtra bandh today," he told reporters here.

A man, identified as Pravin Gosavi, was detained on Saturday night for allegedly slapping Athawale at an event in Ambernath city.

Gosavi was thrashed by the public at the spot and later detained by the police.

The accused had reportedly approached Athawale to get a picture clicked, and later slapped the Union Minister. He is currently being treated for injuries at a hospital in the vicinity.

An investigation has been initiated by the police in the matter.