Dabholkar kin's appeal belated

Mukta Dabholkar's plea claimed the murder was part of a larger conspiracy by right-wing group members

- Kalpesh Mhamunkar & Somita Pal

One of the three persons acquitted by the Sessions Court in the murder case of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar has opposed an appeal filed by his daughter, Mukta Dabholkar, challenging the acquittal, contending that the same has been filed belatedly.

On May 10, 2024, the Sessions Court convicted Sachin Andure and Sharad Kalaskar for Dabholkar's murder, sentencing them to life in prison. However, they were acquitted of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act. The court also acquitted Virendra Singh Tawde, Sanjiv Punalekar, and Vikram Bhave, citing insufficient evidence.

Mukta Dabholkar filed an appeal before the Bombay High Court, challenging the acquittals and the exclusion of UAPA charges. Her plea claimed the murder was part of a larger conspiracy by right-wing group members, including Sanatan Sanstha. It alleged the Sessions Court failed to appreciate evidence showing the accused were involved in the conspiracy to silence Dabholkar for opposing such organizations. Even the three acquitted accused are associated with the outfit too, the plea contended.