Vishalgad violence Awhad's SUV attacked over his remarks against Sambhaji Chhatrapati

Mumbai, Aug 1 (PTI) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad's car was attacked on Thursday by some people allegedly over his remarks against former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhaji Chhatrapati.
The attack, by three to four persons, who hit the rear part of the MLA's SUV with sticks and also pelted a stone, took place early evening in south Mumbai when he was about to take the Eastern Freeway from CSMT area to proceed to Thane.
The attackers also raised slogans in support of Sambhaji Chhatrapati and then fled.
Further probe into the incident is underway, a Dongri police station official said.
Later in the evening, some NCP (SP) activists were detained for blocking the Eastern Express Highway in Thane in protest against the attack on Awhad. Among those detained were NCP (SP) city unit chief Suhas Desai.
The road block was lifted soon after, the Thane police official said.
Earlier, Awhad attacked former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhaji Chhatrapati over the violence at Vishalgad fort in Kolhapur last month during demolition of encroachments there.
Talking to reporters, Awhad also said Kolhapur MP Shahu Chhatrapati, father of Sambhaji Chhatrapati, was not happy with the violence.
"If Sambhaji Chhatrapati is a descendant by birth, I am the descendant by ideology," Awhad said.
The violence broke out on July 14 after members of right wing outfits, led by Sambhaji Chhatrapati, were stopped at the base of the fort for violating prohibitory orders.
The opposition has claimed the anti-encroachment drive at Vishalgad fort was aimed at one community.
Speaking about Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's claim that he went to meet the BJP's central leadership in Delhi in disguise, Awhad said," You are after power to such an extent that you feel the need to change your appearance and name. This is mockery of national security."
Attacking the BJP over recent statements against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the NCP (SP) said the country and its soil was the caste of the Lok Sabha leader of opposition.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)