Calling the assault on its leader Sandeep Deshpande an act of political violence, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has vowed retaliation. It has pointed a finger at the Uddhav Thackeray Sena as being behind the attack in which Deshpande was injured on Friday morning while he was on a morning walk at Shivaji Park.

Deshpande has fractured his right arm after he was attacked with stumps by three masked men, who disappeared soon after. The MNS general secretary and spokesperson was taken to Hinduja Hospital where he was treated and discharged after a couple of hours. MNS chief Raj Thackeray, his wife Sharmila, son Amit and senior leaders visited him at the hospital. Deshpande did not name the suspects, but said, “Everyone knows who is behind the attack. I am not scared of anyone. I will keep speaking against them,” he added.