Two years on, Narendra Dabholkar killers still remain elusive

Two years after the murder of anti-superstition crusader Narendra Dabholkar, the mystery about his killers remains unresolved.

This lack of clarity despite the Central Bureau of Investigation and Maharashtra government offering Rs 25 lakh as reward for any person providing information about Dr Dabholkar's assailants.

The CBI team recently released new sketches of suspects.

The CBI recently released new sketches of the two suspects.

A CBI officer said, "We are investigating the case. Around five teams are working, that includes the police officers who initially were handling the case. The government and CBI have announced a Rs 25 lakh award for anybody who provides information pertaining to the assailants but still there's no clue. The team is operating in Pune, Mumbai and adjacent areas in Pune and also focusing on sea and toll routes. On the basis of eyewitnesses we have prepared two new sketches of the assailants. While the investigators are also investigating the links that may be similar in CPI leader Govind Pansare's murder which is being investigated by Maharashtra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID)."

When asked about the response to the reward, the officer said, "Daily, on an average, we receive around 20 calls pertaining to some information and also receive various letters. Two teams work and verify the facts. We are investigating the case and we are moving in the right direction. Unless we arrest the culprit we will not be able to determine if the same suspects are involved in Pansare's murder."

On August 20, 2013, at around 7.20 am two unidentified motorcycle-borne men had gunned down Dr Dabholkar at Omkareshwar Bridge. Initially the case was being investigated by Pune Police and a case of murder was registered with Vishrambaug police station. Later the Maharashtra government handed over the case to the Pune Crime Branch. The following the direction of Bombay high court order the case was transferred to the CBI on May 9, 2014. The CBI team started their investigation in June, 2014.

Several organisations are scheduled to protest on Thursday seeking a fast track investigation into the Dabholker's murder case.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr Dabolkar's son, Hamid, said, "We are still in shock that the culprits are roaming free without any remorse and still targeting people who are raising voice against aggrieved people. There is no difference between previous and current government and these people are not serious to find out the killers. CBI investigation team must be given additional manpower to intensify the investigation, but it is not getting enough support from the government. I see lack of political will power to solve this case and it hurts us. However,, Andhashradha Nirmulan Samiti (ANS) has not stopped its work and we will keep working in future."