Kolhapur, Feb 22 (IBN): Kolhapur has nurtured several rationalist movements but on 16 February 2015, the progressive image of the city was dented when rationalist Govind Pansare and his wife were attacked by two unidentified gunmen. 

Activist Uday Narkar said, "Kolhapur has been called the home turf of progressive movements. Comrade Pansare has been insisting that it is no longer so. Over the last few decades the reactionary forces, rabid specifically Hindutva forces have gained grounds in Kolhapur and neighbouring areas." 

A 2013 CHRI report suggests that 53 Right to Information Act activists had been attacked in the state, the most in the country since the law came into being in 2005. But despite these attacks and the depleting support base, activists are optimistic.

CPI State Secretary Dr Bhalchandra Kango said, "There is a feeling of sadness that people from rationalist school of thought are being eliminated. But look at the larger picture they are being attacked because they are making a dent into the power of ruling class. They are scared. That means we are making an impact and this is our strength." 

With the state failing to nab the murderers of Narendra Dabholkar, the question remains will they be able to crack this case? 

"The state is seen as protector of murderers. Credibility of the state is low" Narkar said. 

Maharashtra has always been known as a progressive state but the recent attacks have tarnished this image.