Thane, December 9: The man, who allegedly slapped Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale, has been identified as a worker of RPI(A) youth wing.

Pravin Gosavi was detained on Saturday night after he slapped Athawale during an event in Ambarnath city here. The accused had reportedly approached Athawale to get a picture clicked. Gosavi was later thrashed by the public for attacking Athawale.

The police have registered a case against Gosavi under Section 353 (obstructing government servant) of the Indian Penal code (IPC) and initiated an investigation to find out the reason of the incident. Ramdas Athawale Slapped By RPI Youth Wing Worker Pravin Gosavi in Thane, Accused Thrashed by Men as Party Calls for Maharashtra Bandh (Watch Video).

On Saturday, scores of RPI(A) workers assembled outside Athawale's residence with party flags, protesting against the incident. Members of the RPI(A) have also called for a statewide bandh today (December 9) over the attack.