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Journalism of Courage
Activists of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, founded by Dr Narendra Dabholkar, and his family members on Friday expressed disappointment at the failure of investigation agencies in tracing the masterminds behind the rationalist leader’s murder.
Dabholkar was shot dead on the V R Shinde bridge in Pune by two people on the morning of August 20, 2013. The CBI, which conducted an investigation monitored by the Bombay High Court, arrested the people allegedly involved in the murder but could not trace the masterminds behind it. Still the central agency informed the high court that the investigation was complete and the court discontinued the monitoring.
At a press conference, Dabholkar’s son Hamid said, “Me and my sister Mukta have moved the Supreme Court (in May this year) challenging the high court’s order to discontinue monitoring the probe in the murder case. It is unfortunate that 10 years have passed after the murder and still the masterminds behind Narendra Dabholkar’s murder are not found.”
“The investigation has confirmed that the cause behind the murder was ideological differences (between Samiti and the accused linked to the Sanatan Sanstha). There are about 15 more persons in the state who face similar threats like Dabholkar had. So it is important that the investigation should not stop till the masterminds are arrested,” he said.
Initially, the Pune city police investigated the murder case and arrested two illegal firearms dealers, Manish Nagori and Vilas Khandelwal, on June 20, 2014. They were released on bail later.
The CBI took over the investigation in 2014 and chargesheeted five people in the case, but never accused Nagori and Khandelwal of any role in Dabholkar’s murder. The five accused are Virendra Tawade, Sachin Andure, Sharad Kalaskar, Mumbai-based lawyer Sanjeev Punalekar and his aide Vikram Bhave, all of whom linked to the right-wing Sanatan Sanstha. Punalekar and Bhave are out on bail.
Last year, on September 15, a special UAPA court framed charges against Tawade, Andure, Kalaskar and Bhave for murder and conspiracy to commit murder along with offences under UAPA section 16 (terrorist acts) and provisions of the Arms Act.
The court charged Punalekar with destruction of evidence in the case. All five accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial in the case is on before the special court in Pune.
Programmes to mark Dabholkar’s 10th death anniversary
Dabholkar’s son Hamid said the All India Peoples Science Network would mark August 20 as National Scientific Temperament Day in different parts of the country.
The Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti has announced multiple programmes in Pune to mark Dabholkar’s 10th death anniversary. An exhibition of news reports about the movement run by Samiti activist Nandini Jadhav to free women from “jat” (matted hair) will be organised at the Balgandharva Auditorium on August 16 and 17.
The Samiti is also distributing a set of books on Dabholkar across the state. A discussion will be held on the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act at ILS Law College on August 18. Also, a rally called Nirbhay Morning Feri will be taken out on August 20 in memory of Dabholkar.
