Narendra Dabholkar Murder Case: Masterminds Roaming Free While Pawns Convicted, Judgement To Be Challenged In High Court – Family
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 10th May 2024: A special court in Pune today convicted Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar, sentencing them to life imprisonment in the murder case of rationalist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS).
The Dabholkar family has welcomed this verdict. However, his wife Shaila Dabholkar, son Hamid Dabholkar, and daughter Mukta Dabholkar have declared their intent to challenge the acquittal of Virendra Tawde, Sanjeev Punalekar, and Vikram Bhave in the Bombay High Court.
Dr. Narendra Dabholkar was fatally shot on August 20, 2013, around 7:30 AM on the bridge near Omkareshwar temple in Shaniwar Peth, Pune. After 11 years, the verdict of the murder case has been delivered today. The Dabholkar family expressed their reaction to mediapersons outside the Pune district court in Shivajinagar. MANS activists Milind Deshmukh, Nandini Jadhav, Rahul Thorat, Shripal Lalvani, and Rajeev Deshpande were also present.
They stated, “We believe that no compensation can heal the pain of losing Dr. Narendra Dabholkar or the setback to the social transformation movement caused by the loss of such an activist-leader. However, we recognize the passage of time and acknowledge the options available to us. Despite our anguish, we have upheld our faith in the judiciary and refrained from resorting to violence. This decision reflects our commitment as activists and citizens of India, and today, our faith in the Indian justice system stands justified.”
The workers of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti have tirelessly pursued justice through peaceful means. They gathered at the Vitthal Ramji Shinde bridge every month for five years, demanding justice and the arrest of the masterminds behind the murder. They also petitioned the High Court, seeking a fair investigation with the assistance of Advocate Abhay Newgi.
Hamid Dabholkar said, “The CBI has asserted in the charge sheet that Dabholkar’s murder is part of a terrorist conspiracy, yet the masterminds remain at large. However, pawns have been convicted today.”
In a press release, the family emphasized the dedication to Dr. Narendra Dabholkar’s life work and pledged to carry it forward with determination, considering it a true tribute to his legacy.
