- Divya Shinde booked for assaulting retired Pune doctor.
- Allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh, vandalized doctor's home.
- Faces charges including attempt to murder, extortion.
‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ contestant and social media influencer Divya Shinde has been booked along with several others for allegedly assaulting a retired Pune doctor at his residence and demanding Rs 5 lakh, The Indian Express reported. The FIR was filed by 65-year-old Dr Vidyadhar Gaikwad at Kalepadal police station on Friday.
Gaikwad, who retired as a medical officer from Pune Cantonment Hospital in 2021, is a member of the Karunadeep Foundation, which organised the ‘Kala Avishkar Mahotsav’ at Balgandharva Auditorium from September 1 to 3.
Why Was Shinde Allegedly Demanding Rs 5 Lakh?
According to Gaikwad’s brother Mahendra, Shinde was not invited to the event but attended it and addressed the gathering as a social media influencer. He alleged that she later demanded Rs 5 lakh, claiming that the programme received publicity because of her.
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“Later, she began demanding Rs 5 lakh, claiming that the programme received publicity because of her. Dr Vidyadhar had transferred around Rs 50,000 to her through GPay, but she continued demanding more money,” Indian Express quoted Mahendra.
The FIR states that Shinde and others allegedly visited Gaikwad’s residence in Mohammadwadi on September 17 and demanded the money.
Threats Allegedly Escalated Before Home Attack
The alleged confrontation intensified over the following days. According to the FIR, on September 23, Anna Dhamdhere allegedly threatened Gaikwad, saying that people would be sent to his home to assault him if he did not pay the Rs 5 lakh.
Gaikwad allegedly told them that he was suffering from paralysis and was only a member of the organisation that conducted the programme, with no role in its finances.
The following evening, around 8.30 pm on September 24, Shinde and several others allegedly arrived at Gaikwad’s residence at Nyati Highlands.
Doctor Allegedly Assaulted, House Vandalised
The FIR alleges that the group assaulted Gaikwad using a wooden stick, belt and metal pot. They also allegedly vandalised his house and threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the money. His son was allegedly threatened as well.
Mahendra reached the residence with police, following which Gaikwad was taken to hospital. Police said he is undergoing treatment at the government-run Sassoon General Hospital.
Police Book Shinde And Others
Based on Gaikwad’s complaint, Kalepadal Police booked Shinde, Dhamdhere and others under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to attempt to murder, causing hurt, criminal intimidation and extortion.
Investigators have obtained CCTV footage from the building where the alleged incident took place and have launched a probe.
Who Is Divya Shinde?
Shinde, known as ‘Sarkar’ on social media, appeared on Bigg Boss Marathi 6 earlier this year. She was ejected from the show in February following allegations that she had threatened fellow contestants.
She has more than one million followers across social media platforms and stays in Pune’s Sinhagad Road area, according to police.