MNS workers throw ink on lawyer Sadavarte’s vehicle in Jalna; 3 detained

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: MNS workers allegedly threw ink and betel nuts at the vehicle of lawyer Gunaratna Sadavarte near Jalna on Saturday afternoon, with the police detaining three men in connection with the incident.Sadavarte, who was travelling with his family, escaped unhurt. The Chandanzira police said no formal complaint had been filed by him or on his behalf till late Saturday. However,the police have detained three MNS workers and said further action will depend on a formal complaint and findings of the investigation."Sadavarte was on a visit to Jalna to unveil of a statue among other events. The three detained MNS workers are from Jalna," said inspector Balasaheb Pawar.The police said the attack occurred near Jalna, about 55km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Sadavarte, a vocal critic of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, had recently criticised him over his stand on the Marathi language, and the incident is suspected to be retaliatory.Reacting strongly, Sadavarte alleged a more serious intent behind the act. "The ink thrown at me carried an inflammable substance and it was an attempt to eliminate me," he told reporters, accusing Raj Thackeray of avoiding ideological confrontation. He added that the MNS chief had "lost the courage to wage battle of ideology."Sadavarte has faced similar hostility in the past. In Sept 2025, a group of Maratha activists had attempted to attack his vehicle in Jalna over his opposition to Maratha reservation and criticism of quota activist Manoj Jarange.