A Hindutva activist who is officially declared absconding by the police and is the prime accused in the 2024 Kolhapur Vishalgad fort violence is set to get married in Pune today.
The wedding is only the latest in a string of public appearances by Ravindra Padwal, who has remained active on social media and in public life – even at a function where the Maharashtra chief minister was reportedly present last year.
This, despite the police saying Padwal has been absconding since the violence on July 14, 2024, and repeated rejections of his anticipatory bail pleas filed through Padwal’s lawyers. The Kolhapur police, in fact, had formed eight teams to nab those involved in the violence.
In July 2024, a mob of thousands had gathered to protest alleged encroachments at the fort. The protest quickly turned into a riot as the crowd descended on Gajapur village, located at the foothills of the fort, targeting the homes of local Muslim residents.
According to reports, the mob vandalised a mosque, assaulted villagers, and damaged around 42 houses. Dozens of vehicles were destroyed in the rampage, and over a dozen police personnel were injured amid heavy stone-pelting by the armed crowd.
Following the violence, police registered five FIRs against over a 1,000 individuals. Padwal was identified as the key accused who allegedly led the mob. But he remains listed as “absconding” by the police.
According to the prosecution’s case based on which a court rejected his bail application last year, Padwal, as the president of an organisation named Samast Hindu Bandav, had called for a route march from Pune to Vishalgad. “Police denied permission. He entered Shahuwadi Taluka on July 13 and was issued a notice under Section 168 of the BNS Act. A public announcement was then made on social media, calling people to gather at Vishalgad. The riot at Gajapur followed. Five crimes were registered. The applicant is responsible. Weapons and instruments were gathered, and damage was caused to homes and shops belonging to the Muslim community. The accused created communal tension and incited the mob to commit the offense. There was a premeditated plan for the riot at Gajapur.”
A wedding invite seen by Newslaundry suggests that Padwal is scheduled to marry on the evening of May 6 at Shantai Mangal Karyalay in Gohe Khurd, Haveli Taluka, Pune.
Newslaundry made multiple attempts to contact inspector Vijay Gherade of Shahuwadi police station, the investigating officer in the case, but received no response.
Reached for comment, Kolhapur Additional SP Dheeraj Kumar, said the police have received a tip-off. “Yes, he has been absconding and has not been granted bail or interim protection by the court. We received a tip-off about him yesterday, and I’ve passed the information to the investigating officer. We will take action accordingly.”
Asked why Padwal hasn’t been arrested despite his active online presence and upcoming wedding, Kumar said, “I’ve only taken charge here a month ago, but I assure you we’ll take the necessary steps to arrest him soon.”
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