Thousands slam slow probe into rationalists' murders

Mumbai: Thousands of people gathered across different cities of Maharashtra on Sunday to protest against the failure of investigative agencies to nab the culprits in the murders of rationalists Dr Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and Dr M.M. Kalburgi. Sunday was the fourth death anniversary of Dr Dabholkar. Many progressive unions arranged the protests, which saw participation from many writers, film personalities, social and political activists.

Protests dubbed as ‘Jawab Do’ took place in Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Kolhapur, Ahmednagar, Nagpur and many other cities of Maharashtra.

“Four years have passed since Dr Dabholkar was killed in Pune. Two and a half years have passed since Dr Kalburgi was killed. Investigative agencies have failed to nab culprits in both cases. In the Pansare murder, the accused has come out on bail. All this shows apathy from government level to give justice to rationalists,” said Mukta Dabholkar, daughter of Dr Dabholkar.

While Dr Dabholkar was murdered on August 20, 2013, Communist leader Govind Pansare was killed on February 20, 2015 and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi was murdered on August 30, 2015.

The Maharashtra government had on August 2, announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information on the whereabouts of Sarang Akolkar and Vinay Pawar, two absconding activists of the fringe right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha and accused in the murder Pansare.

In March this year, the CBI announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information on the whereabouts on Akolkar and Pawar in connection with the murder of Dr Dabholkar.

Protesters gathered in Dadar Plaza and walked down to Chaitya Bhumi, where Dr Ambedkar was cremated. They held a rally at Chaitya Bhumi where street plays were presented protesting the prevalent environment of fear and the failure of the police in nabbing the culprits. In Pune and Kolhapur, the protests attracted huge numbers.

“We feel investigation agencies are not serious in all these cases. Who wants to protect culprits is the important question now. These murders seem to be part of a plan of creating an environment of fear in society,” said Medha Pansare, daughter of the slain Govind Pansare.

The protesters also ran a campaign on Facebook and Twitter using the hash tag ‘Jawab Do’.