Pune police have arrested Bigg Boss Marathi 6 contestant and social media influencer Divya Shinde following allegations that she and several others assaulted a 65-year-old retired government doctor at his home and demanded Rs 5 lakh from him. The FIR, registered at Kalepadal police station, includes charges of attempted murder, extortion, and criminal intimidation. Shinde was presented before a court and has been remanded to police custody until September 30.
What the FIR Says About the Pune Doctor Assault
The complaint was filed by Dr Vidyadhar Gaikwad, a retired medical officer who served as the Chief Medical Officer of the Pune Cantonment Board until his retirement in 2021. According to the FIR, Gaikwad is a member of the Karunadeep Foundation, which organised the Kala Avishkar Mahotsav at the Balgandharva Auditorium between September 1 and 3, 2026.
Gaikwad’s brother, Mahendra, alleged that Divya Shinde attended the event despite not being invited and addressed the gathering as a social media influencer. She later claimed that the programme received publicity because of her presence and began demanding Rs 5 lakh from the doctor. Gaikwad transferred approximately Rs 50,000 to her through Google Pay, but the demand for more money continued, according to the complaint.
Timeline of Threats and the Alleged Attack
The FIR outlines a series of events that escalated over several weeks. Phone calls demanding Rs 5 lakh reportedly started coming in from August. On September 17, Shinde, along with Anna Dhamdhere and others, allegedly visited Gaikwad’s residence in the Mohammadwadi area of Pune and renewed the demand.
On September 23, Dhamdhere allegedly threatened Gaikwad, warning that people would be sent to assault him at his home if the money was not paid. Gaikwad told them he was suffering from paralysis and was only a member of the organisation that conducted the programme, with no role in its finances, the FIR states.
The alleged attack took place around 8.30 pm on September 24. Shinde and several others arrived at Gaikwad’s residence in Nyati Highlands and assaulted him using a wooden stick, a belt, and a metal pot. The accused also vandalised household items and threatened to kill him if he failed to pay Rs 5 lakh, according to the complaint. His son was also allegedly threatened. NDTV reported that the attackers used sharp weapons and sticks, and that Gaikwad sustained deep injuries to his head requiring stitches. He was taken to Sassoon General Hospital for treatment.
Who Is Divya Shinde
Divya Shinde, known as “Sarkar” on social media, is a social media influencer with more than one million followers across platforms. She appeared on Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 earlier in 2026 but was removed from the show in February following allegations that she had threatened fellow contestants.
Before her television appearance, Shinde was known for her social media presence and participation in student and social campaigns. She was also associated with the satirical student-led Cockroach Janta Party, which has campaigned on issues related to education and student rights. Her Instagram handle, @sarkar__611, has over 1.2 million followers. She resides in the Sinhagad Road area of Pune, according to police.
Arrest and Police Custody
Pune police arrested Shinde on September 27, 2026, following the registration of the FIR. She was presented before a court, which granted police custody until September 30. The case has been registered against Shinde, Anna Dhamdhere, and seven other individuals under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to attempted murder, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and extortion.
Assistant Police Inspector Amit Shete is conducting the investigation. Police have obtained CCTV footage from the residential building where the alleged incident took place and are reviewing it as part of the probe.
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What Happens Next in the Case
Shinde remains in police custody until September 30. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the CCTV footage and statements from those involved. The case has drawn attention in Maharashtra, where Shinde was a known figure from her time on the reality show and her social media activism.
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