Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 29: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar, an accused in the 2013 murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, while observing that questions still remain regarding his identification as one of the attackers.
A division bench allowed Kalaskar’s plea for bail pending the final hearing of his appeal against a 2024 conviction and life sentence handed down by a special court. The court noted that his claims regarding inconsistencies in witness identification required detailed examination during the appeal process.
Kalaskar, who has been in custody for several years, argued that the prosecution’s case contained discrepancies, particularly concerning his alleged role as one of the motorcycle-borne assailants involved in the killing.
After considering the arguments, the High Court granted bail on a surety bond of ?50,000. However, it clarified that its observations were prima facie in nature and would not influence the final outcome of the appeal.
Dabholkar, a 67-year-old anti-superstition activist and founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, was shot dead in Pune on August 20, 2013. The murder, carried out by two motorcycle-borne attackers, had triggered widespread national outrage.
In 2024, a special court had convicted Kalaskar and co-accused Sachin Prakashrao Andure, sentencing both to life imprisonment. However, the court acquitted them of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and also cleared several other accused, decisions that are currently under challenge in higher courts.
During the hearing, Kalaskar’s counsel argued that the appeal process could take considerable time and that continued imprisonment would be unjustified given doubts over identification evidence.
The High Court also noted Kalaskar’s earlier bail in a related case involving the murder of CPI leader Govind Pansare, citing prolonged incarceration and trial delays.
The Dabholkar case remains one of India’s most high-profile investigations involving the killings of rationalist activists, with multiple agencies probing alleged conspiracies and links among the accused. Appeals related to both convictions and acquittals are still pending before the High Court.