Pune Police have arrested Divya Shinde, a former Bigg Boss Marathi contestant and social media influencer known as "Sarkar," in connection with an alleged assault and extortion case. A court granted police custody of Shinde until September 30, and police say they need her handwriting sample in connection with an alleged note taken from the complainant regarding his car. The case is being investigated by Assistant Police Inspector Amit Shete of Kalepadal Police Station. 

What the Complaint Alleges

The complainant is Dr Vidyadhar Gaikwad, who retired as chief medical officer of Pune Cantonment Hospital in 2021. He is a member of the Karunadeep Foundation, which organised the "Kala Avishkar Mahotsav" at Balgandharva Auditorium from September 1 to 3. Reports vary slightly on his age, with several outlets citing 65 based on the FIR.

According to the FIR as reported, Gaikwad's brother Mahendra alleged Shinde was not invited to the event but attended and addressed the gathering as a social media influencer. The complaint further alleges that she began demanding Rs 5 lakh through calls and messages in August, claiming to have promoted the festival. Family members allege the doctor transferred roughly Rs 50,000 under pressure, though the demand for the balance continued.

The complaint alleges escalating pressure: on September 17, Shinde, Anna Dhamdhere and others allegedly went to Gaikwad's residence and threatened his family while he was away, and on September 23 Dhamdhere allegedly repeated the demand at a hotel.

The Alleged Attack

On the night of September 24, according to the complaint, Dhamdhere arrived at Gaikwad's residence around 8:30 pm, after which Shinde and eight to ten others allegedly entered the house and assaulted him. The FIR alleges he was assaulted with sticks, a belt and an iron vessel and that the house was vandalised. Gaikwad reportedly told the group he was a paralysis patient and requested them to stop. He was taken to Sassoon General Hospital for treatment. 

Police booked Shinde and others under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, causing hurt, criminal intimidation and extortion, and have obtained CCTV footage from the building.

Shinde's Version

Reports indicate Shinde has claimed that she was herself beaten after entering the doctor's home. Details of her account have not been independently verified, and it is not part of the complaint on which police have built their case. Any conflicting versions will be tested through the investigation and court proceedings.

Why It Matters: Influencer Culture and Legal Accountability

The case highlights the growing overlap between social media fame and real-world disputes, particularly around payments for promotion at events. It also underscores how quickly allegations against public personalities spread online, making it important to distinguish between what is alleged in an FIR and what is proven in court.

Background

Shinde has over a million followers across platforms and appeared on Bigg Boss Marathi 6 earlier this year, from which she was ejected in February following allegations that she had threatened fellow contestants.

What Comes Next

With police custody running until September 30, investigators are expected to record further statements and examine CCTV evidence before the matter returns to court. Shinde and the others named are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and further clarity will depend on the findings of the investigation and any formal response from her legal team.