Threats and Intimidation Mark Face-off between Maharashtra’s Junnar MLA Sharad Sonawane and Local Journalists
The escalating conflict between Junnar MLA Sharad Sonawane and local journalists has raised serious concerns over press freedom and the ability of the local media to report on issues of public interest.
Over the past month, four independent journalists — Suresh Wani, Sneha Barve, Raichand Shinde and Sameer Raje — have alleged that they faced threats, online trolling, legal action and, in some cases, physical intimidation from people associated with Sonawane.
Sonawane, an Independent MLA who is considered close to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has also been accused by journalists of attempting to silence critical reporting in Junnar.
On his part, Sonawane maintained (see his comments below) that he was speaking of ‘YouTubers” who are not ‘real’ journalists, dismissing both the immense shift towards digital and social media platforms over the past decade as well as the use of these platforms to inform, question and hold power accountable.
Journalist allegedly manhandled at Gram Sabha meeting
On August 29, Samarth Bharat journalist Sameer Raje was covering a Narayangaon Gram Sabha meeting when he was allegedly abused, pushed around and forcibly removed from the meeting hall.
According to Raje, two of his mobile phones were also snatched and he was threatened with physical assault.
The Gram Sabha was expected to discuss corruption allegations levelled by local entrepreneur Kanika Khaire against Narayangaon Deputy Sarpanch Yogesh alias Babu Pate, who is considered close to Sonawane. “I tried several times to raise the issue of corruption, but I was not allowed to do so,” Khaire told FSC.
Pravin Sampange, assistant police inspector of Junnar police station, who arrived on the scene, told FSC that mobile phone recordings of the proceedings were disallowed. However, he returned the phones to Raje, after journalists protested the seizure of phones and manhandling of their colleague.
The incident is the latest in a series of allegations of intimidation of journalists in Junnar, a taluka known for its historical and natural attractions, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace, ancient Buddhist caves, the Sahyadri ranges, waterfalls, dams and forts.
Earlier, journalists Sneha Barve and Sameer Raje had published critical reports about Sonawane’s alleged failure to fulfil a promise to construct a memorial dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The journalists have alleged that following the reports, Sonawane and his supporters launched a campaign against them through local media platforms.
On July 4 last year, journalist Sneha Barve was allegedly attacked by Pandurang Morade while reporting on illegal construction being carried out in the riverbed at Nighotwadi village near Manchar in Junnar taluka. She has continued to report on irregularities and corruption issues in the area, despite no police protection or action against the contractor.
Threats to journalist covering Adani-related projects
On August 14, 2026, senior journalist Suresh Wani alleged that Sharad Sonawane openly threatened him during a meeting, held at an ashram school in Ajanwale, between government officials and farmers affected by the controversial 1,500 MW Adani power project in Junnar and Murbad talukas on Pune district.
In a video of the meeting, Sonawane is heard saying he would “deal with” these journalists after August 15. Sonawane also made derogatory remarks about Shirur MP Dr. Amol Kolhe.
Wani had been covering protests by tribal communities against the nearly ₹7,000-crore Malshej Ghat Bhorande Pumped Storage Project. Local residents, who have organised under the banner of the Sahyadri Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, have raised concerns over the potential destruction of forests and displacement of communities. The protesters have demanded an environmental impact assessment. The public hearing scheduled for August 21 was also postponed indefinitely.
Wani had earlier published an interview with former MLA Atul Benke regarding opposition to the project in an environmentally sensitive area and the postponement of the environmental assessment hearing.
Following the alleged threat, journalists condemned Sonawane’s remarks and demanded an apology. They allege, however, that he continued to make threatening and aggressive statements.
FIR filed against journalist over mid-day meal report
Journalist Raichand Shinde had reported extensively on irregularities in supplies for the school midday meals in Kalwadi by persons allegedly close to the MLA. Soon after the report, Shinde allegedly began receiving repeated abusive phone calls linked to Sonawane.
A doctored audio clip was circulated online, leading to a complaint and the lodging of an FIR (No. 0210/2026) on August 29 against Shinde under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) relating to defamation and abusive language against a public servant.
Shinde, who is seeking legal advice regarding the FIR, alleged that Sonawane has repeatedly threatened independent journalists and has said that he would shut down YouTubers reporting on illegal mining in Junnar.
According to Shinde, Sonawane has accused journalists of misusing the media for blackmail and extortion and has described himself as a “tiger” who would prevent them from carrying out “their business.”
“I am a senior journalist and I had never heard any politician speak like this. I met MLA Sharad Sonawane about 15 days ago and told him that this was wrong. He checked whether my phone was switched off to ensure that our conversation was not being recorded. He then said that he would ‘deal with’ journalists who write against him,” Shinde told FSC.
MLA dismisses charges, says the YouTubers are not journalists
Sharad Sonawane flatly rejected any allegations that he had “threatened” journalists. The Junnar MLA said the journalists were only ‘YouTubers’ and did not belong to legitimate media.
“Firstly, tell me who are you referring to as ‘journalists’. I want to know who these journalists are. They run Youtube channels and they run a business. They are not doing any journalism” he said, when FSC called him to ask about the threats to journalists.
The MLA further said that he has asked the government to launch an enquiry against these “bogus” journalists. “Come to Junnar and see my work.I am an MLA and I am answerable to my voters. I have received complaints about these people (Suresh Vani and Raichand Shinde. I don’t consider them journalists,” he said, though both were senior journalists with years of experience in both print media and private television channels. Shinde had also worked in the state-owned Doordarshan.
When asked about the threats to Sneha Barve after she questioned him on the delay in constructing the Shivaji memorial, he said the work on the memorial is on. “She is also a Youtuber. Why should I take her questions seriously?” he asked.
The MLA’s dismissal of the journalists as “YouTubers” was typical of the refusal to recognise the legitimacy of journalism practiced on social media platforms, especially if it operates independently and questions authority.
However, the statement made by the concerned MLA regarding all the journalists he referred to was also patently incorrect.
Sneha Barve and Sameer Raje publish the newspaper Samarth Bharat, which is registered with the RNI. Suresh Wani works for Pudhari, a Marathi-language newspaper. Raichand Shinde, meanwhile, has extensive experience in television journalism, including his work with IBN-Lokmat. Not only that, he also works for Doordarshan (DD News) which is owned by the state government.
Journalists seek independent investigation
Journalists in Junnar have called for a police investigation into the alleged threats and what they describe as unconstitutional conduct by the MLA and his supporters.
They have also urged the judiciary to take immediate action in connection with criminal cases pending against Sonawane. According to Sonawane’s 2024 Assembly election affidavit, four criminal cases were pending against him, including cases involving IPC provisions relating to public servants on duty, rioting and violations of law.
The journalists have called for the investigation into the allegations to be transferred from the local police to a special independent team operating under the supervision of senior police officials.
The growing confrontation between an elected representative and journalists has therefore raised a broader question for Junnar: Can the local media freely scrutinise those in power without fear of intimidation, retaliation or legal pressure?
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