Maha govt failed to provide security to Dabholkar: MNS chief

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray today blamed the state government over the murder of Narendra Dabholkar, saying the anti-superstition activist was not provided security even though he had received threats to his life earlier.
"The needle of suspicion is pointing towards Congress-NCP government. Time and again, Dr Dabholkar was receiving threats and I see no action by the government," Raj told reporters here.
Raj said the incident had left him shell-shocked.
Dabholkar was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne unidentified assailants at around 7.15 am, when he was out for a morning walk on the Omkareshwar temple bridge in Pune.

"This is highly shocking and unacceptable. Now, after the murder, the needle of suspicion is pointed towards almost everyone, including state government...As even when there were threats to his (Dabholkar's) life, he was not provided any security," the MNS chief said.
Raj alleged that the state government purposefully procrastinated the passing of the Anti-Superstition Bill of which Dabholkar was ardent proponent.

He demanded a fast-track probe into the murder.
Recalling the conversation he had had with the rationalist, Raj said, "Dabholkar was never against God or spirituality, but strongly opposed and protested against fake godmen and superstitious practices involving animal, human sacrifices and other evils....The best way to honour his efforts would be to pass the anti-superstition bill, with some amendments, at the earliest".

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expressed its condolences over the killing of Dabholkar.
"We condemn the killing of Dr Dabholkar. It was a cowardly attack," a statement issued by RSS said.