CBI gets more hands to probe Dabholkar case

The decision was taken after The Hindu reported how the investigation by the CBI has faced hurdles due to lack of staff

Rationalist Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead on August 20, 2013, while out on his morning walk.

Four days after The Hindu >reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was struggling to solve the case of murder of rationalist and anti-superstition movement activist Narendra Dabholkar because of a shortage of hands, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday deputed seven officers.

Mr. Fadnavis’s decision comes on the second death anniversary of the slain activist, who was awarded Padma Shri last year.

Announcing his decision on Twitter, the Chief Minister tweeted, “As per CBI’s demand of additional manpower from state govt, we’ve decided to depute 7 member team to assist CBI to probe Narendra Dabholkar case.”

The State government deputed one Additional Commissioner of Police, four police inspectors and two sub-inspectors, the Chief Minister said.

Dabholkar >was shot dead in Pune on August 20, 2013, while out on a morning walk.

>As the police could not arrest the culprits, the Bombay High Court handed over the investigation to the CBI in May 2014.

The Hindu had reported how the CBI investigation had faced hurdles from a lack of hands and the State kept pending requests for more officers.

“It is only the first step towards solving the case. We now expect that the probe will gain a much- needed momentum. However, we want to mention that the delay shown by the government was unexpected. We will continue building pressure to ensure fair investigation,” said Hamid Dabholkar, son of slain activist.