In 1930, Sangamner witnessed one of the most significant Jungle Satyagrahas in Maharashtra. This region was endowed with abundant forest resources, and the rural population relied on these forests for their livelihood, alongside agriculture. Many earned their living by collecting honey, gathering wood, and grazing cattle on forest grass. However, the British government enforced strict forest laws during that period, leading to the oppression of tribals who depended on these forests. Ramakrishna Das Maharaj proposed the idea of Jungle Satyagraha to the Maharashtra Satyagraha Mandal as a response to these injustices.
Following this plan, Jungle Satyagraha was initiated at various locations in Sangamner. Alongside Ramakrishna Das Maharaj, leaders like Bapusaheb Paregaonkar, Bhaiyyasaheb Kulkarni, and Bhai Datta Kulkarni began preparations in the Sangamner area. A grand procession was organized from Sangamner, and group leaders were appointed for different areas within Sangamner, such as Rajapur, Ashvi, Pemgiri, Javale Baleshwar, Bhojdari, Chandnapuri, Savargaon Ghule, Malegaon, Kauthe, and more. Each group leader was assisted by five to six Satyagrahis.
To fund the Satyagraha, awareness was raised among villagers, and grains were collected from them. The government was aware of the Satyagraha and increased its presence in the area. Secret police provided daily reports to their superiors. The Satyagrahis initiated the Satyagraha by releasing cattle to graze in the forest. An attempt was made, with the help of the police, to remove the animals from the forest, but many cattle and cowherds eluded capture. Those familiar with the forest's paths misinformed the police, leading to false information. Ramakrishna Das Maharaj, the leader of Jungle Satyagraha, was eventually arrested. Following his arrest, Bapusaheb Paregaonkar assumed leadership but was also arrested and sentenced to six months in prison. After these two leaders' arrests, numerous other leaders and Satyagrahis were also detained.
In response to these arrests, it was decided to hold Satyagraha simultaneously at all locations. July 21, 1930, was chosen as the date for this synchronized action. In Sangamner taluka, residents from many villages participated in large numbers, resulting in numerous arrests. Senior leader K. B. Deshmukh attempted to intervene to secure their release, but despite his efforts, the people were imprisoned. The police arrested him and admitted him to Sangamner Hospital, where he ultimately sacrificed his life. This movement brought together ordinary citizens, farmers, and laborers from urban and rural areas who unitedly confronted British authority in the spirit of the Satyagraha.