A senior Congress leader in Maharashtra was brutally attacked on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the political circles of Akola district. Hidayat Patel, the state vice-president of the Congress party, was stabbed multiple times moments after he stepped out of a mosque following his prayers.
Brutal Attack Outside Mosque
The incident occurred in Mohala village under Akot taluka. Hidayat Patel had just offered namaz at the Markaz Masjid and was leaving the premises when the assailant struck. The attacker used a sharp weapon to repeatedly stab Patel in the neck and abdomen before fleeing the scene. Bleeding profusely, the Congress leader collapsed right outside the mosque, causing panic among the locals present.
People at the spot immediately rushed the injured leader to a private hospital in Akot. As his condition deteriorated, he was later shifted to a more advanced private hospital in Akola city. Medical authorities have confirmed that Patel's condition remains critical as he undergoes treatment.
Swift Arrest and Motive Behind the Stabbing
The Akot Rural Police acted swiftly and arrested the accused later on Tuesday. The attacker has been identified as Ubed Patel, a resident of Panj village. A case of attempt to murder has been registered against him at the Akot Rural Police Station.
According to Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak, preliminary investigations point to a deep-rooted personal and political rivalry as the motive. The accused allegedly told police that he held Hidayat Patel's group responsible for the death of one of his family members back in 2019. He also claimed that despite being relatives, Patel had hindered his own political ascent. SP Chandak stated that police are questioning the accused in detail to uncover if he acted alone or had accomplices or instigators.
Political Tensions and Investigation
The attack has occurred against a backdrop of heightened political tension in the Akot region following recent municipal elections, which had exposed internal rifts within the Congress party. Hidayat Patel is a prominent Congress figure in Akola, having contested the Lok Sabha elections in both 2014 and 2019 before rising to the post of state vice-president.
Following the stabbing, senior police officers and a forensic team rushed to the crime scene. Evidence, including blood samples, was collected for investigation. Police deployment has been intensified in the area to prevent any further unrest. Authorities have assured a thorough probe into all possible angles of the case.
