Hundreds march to Washim SP’s office over deadly attack on family

Washim: Hundreds of citizens marched to city police station and office of superintendent of police on Friday to protest the life-threatening attack on five members of a family near the Washim govt hospital on June 1. They demanded swift arrest of all accused and action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) or similar stringent legal provisions.The protesters, including members of the family and a large number of women, participated in the march held by Sakal Hindu Samaj to condemn what they described as growing criminal activity and slow police action.As per reports, a gang of 10 to 15 individuals allegedly attacked the family with iron rods, swords and other weapons over on old dispute or personal enmity. Five members of the family sustained serious injuries. Praveen Raut is in critical condition due to severe head and body injuries. He is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), said sources. Anticipating a large turnout and potential unrest, the police department deployed heavy security, including riot control personnel, around the SP's office and other key locations in the city. A delegation met district police officials and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. The SP decided to transfer the investigation to a senior officer of the rank of deputy superintendent of police (DySP). Police also informed the delegation that special teams had been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accused and that strict legal action would be taken against all those involved.The protesters withdrew the march following the assurances. Protesters warned that if the accused are not brought to justice swiftly and punished severely, the agitation could be intensified in the coming days.