Rationalist Narendra Dabholkar shot dead in Pune

Activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was in the forefront of a campaign to persuade Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill, was shot dead in Pune on Tuesday morning by unknown assailants.

Dabholkar was found dead in a pool of blood at Omkareshwar bridge of the city.

Dabholkar, who was also editor of "Sadhana" magazine devoted to propagation of progressive thought, succumbed to bullet injuries in the Sassoon Hospital in Pune.

Pune Police Commissioner Gulabrao Pol, who confirmed Dabholkar's death, told PTI that police were investigating the motive but no suspects have so far been identified.

Dabholkar spearheaded the "Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti" (Anti-Superstition movement) to change social mindset and inculcate scientific temper.

A staunch fighter for the cause of eradication of inhuman rituals and superstitions, Dabholkar was also in the forefront of the campaign to persuade Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill -- opposed by certain sections of Warkari sect -- in the state legislature.

Image: Narendra Dabholkar