Sanathan Sanstha Cries Foul Over Arrest of Tawde in Dabholkar Case

Virendra Tawde was arrested by the CBI on Saturday in connection with the murder of Narendra Dabholkar.

Supporters of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar stage a demonstration against the killing of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar. (Photo: IANS)

Hindu right-wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha on Saturday alleged that the arrest of one of its member, Virendra Tawde, in connection with the Narendra Dabholkar murder case is an attempt to malign it and other Hindu organisations.

They previously arrested Sadhvi (Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur) in the Malegoan blast case. She was acquitted after four years as there was no evidence. Similarly they had arrested six Sanatan members in Margao blast case and released them after five years. Now, Dr Virendra Tawde has been arrested in Dabholkar case.

Abhay Vartak, Sanatan Spokesperson

He added that this part of an international conspiracy and that they experienced similar “regression and conspiracy” when the Congress was in power.

Virendra Tawde, a Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s member was arrested by the CBI on Saturday in connection with the murder of Pune-based rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. He was sent to custody till 16 June.

The Samiti is linked to Sanatan Sanstha, which has earlier come under the scanner in connection with the murder of rationalist and CPI leader Govind Pansare in February 2015.

According to reports, Tawade has been working for the Sanstha for the last 15-20 years as an ENT specialist. The CBI recovered documents, mobile numbers and emails during the searches at Tawade’s Pune residence.

Sources said Tawade was in contact through emails with Sarang Akolkar, another activist of the Sanstha, who is absconding and has a Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued by the Interpol against him in the 2009 Goa blast case.

Dabholkar was shot dead on 20 August 2013 in Pune.

Also Read: CBI Searches Residences of Two Accused in Dabholkar Murder Case