Accuse CBI and Maharashtra Police of not giving complete attention to murder cases of rationalists

Blaming lack of political will to investigate the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, his family members and activists of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS) on Saturday demanded the formation of a special task force dedicated to the probe.

Dr. Dabholkar’s son, Hamid, at a press conference in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, said, “It has been 53 months since the murder of Narendra Dabholkar, and only one arrest has been made. The rest of those named in the chargesheet are still at large. Lack of political will to nab the culprits has forced the police force to go slow on the arrest of absconding.”

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the case, has arrested Virendra Tawde, a member of extreme Hindu right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha, and has filed a chargesheet naming two more Sanstha members: Sarang Akolkar and Vinay Pawar. Mr. Tawde is also an accused in the murder of Communist leader Govind Pansare, which is being investigated by the Maharashtra Police.

Madhav Bavge, principal secretary, MANS, said, “Both teams have other cases with them, and as a result, the [Dabholkar and Pansare] cases are not being given complete attention. Therefore, we demand a separate dedicated task force to investigate the murder.”

Mr. Dabholkar said that recent news reports have indicated a common link between these two murders and those of M.M. Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh in Karnataka.

“Akolkar is also an accused in the Margao bomb blast case. Despite this, the investigating agencies have failed to nab the accused. This makes these agencies look extremely weak,” he said.

The Supreme Court recently issued a show cause notice to the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments, the CBI and NIA while hearing a PIL filed by Kalburgi’s wife.

Mr. Bavge said, “We have sought a response from the Prime Minister, and have made several applications for a meeting with him, but have received no response. The Chief Minister had assured us a hearing with the PM, which has not happened.”