Mumbai, December 9: A youth wing worker of Republican Party of India (RPI) was brutally thrashed by people in Thane's Ambernath area after he slapped Union Minister and party leader Ramdas Athawale at an event in the city on Saturday. According to a tweet by ANI, the worker, identified as Pravin Gosavi suffered injuries and has been shifted to the state-run J J hospital in Mumbai after receiving initial treatment in Ambernath. In a 37 second video released by ANI, several supporters were seen bashing Gosavi for slapping their party chief. The cops tried to stop the attackers but to no avail.

In the wake of the incident, members of RPI have called for a statewide bandh on December 9 after their party chief was slapped during an event in Ambarnath city. Scores of RPI (A) workers assembled outside Athawale's residence with party flags, raising slogans. According to a tweet by ANI, an FIR has been registered against the accused. Meanwhile, Police has initiated an investigation in the matter. According to a report by ANI, the accused had reportedly approached Athawale to get a picture clicked, and later slapped the Union Minister.

Watch Video: People thrash Pravin Gosavi, a worker of the youth wing of Republican Party of India:

According to a report by IANS, Gosavi pushed and allegedly assaulted Athawale after a function in Ambernath town, late on Saturday night.  According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred as the minister came down after addressing a meeting when the accused suddenly went towards him, pushed and slapped him on the face. The motive behind the attack is not known yet.

Reports inform that soon after the incident, some supporters rushed to the minister's aid and pushed the attacker away. Athawale's personal bodyguards and police security pinned him down and whisked off from the venue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 09, 2018 10:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).