Dr Ambedkar's grandson attacked, escapes unhurt

A grandson of Dr B.R. Ambedkar was allegedly attacked on Tuesday by rival political activists but he escaped unhurt, a leader of his political outfit said.

Republican Sena president Anandraj Ambedkar was attacked inside Peoples Education Society College in Mahad, adjoining Raigad district, state party general secretary Vasant Kamble told IANS.

At least one of his supporters was seriously injured, he said.

"The incident occurred around 1 p.m. when Anandraj Ambedkar was about to go and meet the college principal in his office. Suddenly, some rival political activists attacked him with sticks, rods and other weapons and attempted to prevent his entry there," he said.

However, Anandraj Ambedkar escaped unhurt as accompanying party workers shielded him from the attackers, who are said to be local Shiv Sena activists.

At least four Republican Sena workers were injured, including one whose condition was said to be serious, Kamble said, adding that police were probing the matter.

Anandraj Ambedkar has been at the forefront of an agitation to demand a memorial to the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and Dalit icon Dr B.R. Ambedkar at Dadar in Mumbai.