Bhayandar knife attack leaves BJP leader critically injured

On a Friday evening at around 5:15 pm, Rajan Pandey, the secretary of the local BJP youth wing, was attacked in the Shiv Sena lane area of Bhayandar (west). He suffered critical injuries from a knife assault carried out by Vinod Rajbhar and two accomplices. The attack left Pandey with deep wounds on his neck and stomach, leading to his immediate hospitalization in a private facility in Mira Road, where his condition remains critical. Pandey was accompanied by his friend Anand Jha, who also sustained injuries during the incident. Sources suggest that the motive behind the attack may be linked to a monetary dispute between Pandey and Rajbhar, with allegations of Pandey's involvement in illegal gutka smuggling surfacing. The Bhayandar police acted swiftly, arresting the three suspects within 24 hours of the attack. They have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including attempt to murder and causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons. As investigations continue, the incident raises concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for violence stemming from disputes within the community. The critical condition of Pandey highlights the severity of the attack and the urgent need for addressing such violent confrontations in the region.