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Assassination: clean up

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{{short description|Indian rationalist and the Founder and former President of the MANS}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Narendra Dabholkar
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = mr
| image = NarendraDabholkar.jpg
| imagesize =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1945|11|1}}
| birth_place =
| residence =
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2013|8|20|1945|11|1}}
| death_place = [[Pune]], Maharashtra, India
| death_cause = [[Gunshot wound]]
| occupation = Social activist, founder-president of [[Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti]] (MANS)
|nationality = [[India]]n
| spouse = Shaila Dabholkar
| children = Mukta Dabholkar née Patwardhan, Hamid Dabholkar
| website = {{URL|antisuperstition.org}}
}}
'''Narendra Achyut Dabholkar''' (1 November 1945 – 20 August 2013)<ref name=DNAParanjpe/> was an Indian medical doctor, social activist, [[rationalism|rationalist]] and author from [[Maharashtra]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/govind-pansare-mm-kalburgi-gauri-lankesh-murder-5316465/|title=Indian rationalism, Charvaka to Narendra Dabholkar}}</ref> In 1989 he founded and became president of the [[Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti]] (MANS), (the Committee to Eradicate [[Superstition]] in Maharashtra). Triggered by his murder on 20 August 2013, the pending [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance]] was [[promulgated]] in the state of Maharashtra, four days later.<ref name=dna>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1879444/report-the-anti-black-magic-and-superstition-ordinance-has-been-promulgated-in-maharashtra|title=The anti-black magic and superstition ordinance has been promulgated in Maharashtra|newspaper=[[DNA India]]|date=24 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> In 2014, he was posthumously awarded the [[Padma Shri]] for social work.<ref name=Padma_Shri>{{cite news|title=Iyengar, Mashelkar get Padma Vibhushan. Dabholkar, Ghate get Padma Shri.|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/report-iyengar-mashelkar-get-padma-vibhushan-1957092|access-date=30 March 2014|newspaper=[[DNA India]]|date=26 January 2014}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Dabholkar was born on 1 November 1945 to Achyut and Tarabai, being the youngest of ten sibling. His eldest sibling was the [[educationalist]], [[Gandhi]]an and socialist [[Devdatta Dabholkar]].<ref name="Sakal-2010">{{cite news|title=तर्कशुद्ध विचारांचा मूर्तिमंत आविष्कार: परिवर्तन चळवळीतील विचारवंत शिक्षक|author=Chinchkar Dilip Kumar|url=http://72.78.249.107/esakal/20101219/4790120080505844483.htm|newspaper=[[Sakal]]|location=Mumbai|language=mr|date=19 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131002063050/http://72.78.249.107/esakal/20101219/4790120080505844483.htm|archive-date=2 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He did his schooling at New English School [[Satara (city)|Satara]] and [[Willingdon College]], [[Sangli]]. He was a qualified medical doctor, having obtained an MBBS degree from the Government Medical College, [[Miraj]].<ref name=DNAParanjpe>{{cite news|title=Narendra Dabholkar: A rationalist to the core|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/1877283/report-narendra-dabholkar-a-rationalist-to-the-core|access-date=21 August 2013|newspaper=[[DNA India]]|date=20 August 2013|author=Shailendra Paranjpe}}</ref>

He was the captain of the [[Shivaji University]] [[Kabaddi]] team. He had represented India against [[Bangladesh]] in a Kabaddi tournament. He won the Maharashtra government's Shiv Chhatrapati Yuva Award for Kabaddi.<ref name=DNAParanjpe/><ref name = "Founder">{{cite web |url=http://www.antisuperstition.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=97 |title=Founder:Dr. Narendra Dabholkar|publisher=Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti |access-date=21 December 2010}}</ref>

He was married to Shaila, and has two children, Hamid and Mukta Dabholkar.<ref name="TOI Jadhav">{{cite news|title=Doctor who fought to stamp out superstition|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doctor-who-fought-to-stamp-out-superstition/articleshow/21945021.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 October 2013|date=21 August 2013|author=Radheshyam Jadhav}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dabholkar murder: Kin seek speedy probe|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/dabholkar-murder-kin-seek-speedy-probe/|access-date=15 January 2015|date=5 October 2013}}</ref> His son was named after the social reformer [[Hamid Dalwai]].<ref name=practice/> He also criticised extravagant marriage ceremonies and arranged for his own children to be married in simple ceremonies. The almanac was not consulted to select an auspicious time as it is traditionally done.<ref name=practice>{{cite news|title=Dabholkar practised what he preached|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/dabholkar-practised-what-he-preached-113082400169_1.html|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=24 August 2013}}</ref> He was an [[atheist]].<ref name=obituary>{{cite news|access-date=19 September 2013|date=14 September 2013|title=Narendra Dabholkar, fighter against superstition, was killed on August 20th, aged 67|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|url=https://www.economist.com/news/obituary/21586275-narendra-dabholkar-fighter-against-superstition-was-killed-august-20th-aged-67-narendra}}</ref>

== Activism ==
{{Criticism of Christianity sidebar}}
After working as a doctor for 12 years, Dabholkar became a social worker in the 1980s.<ref name="DNA_2013-waged"/><ref name="Johannes2011">{{cite book | author=Johannes Quack | title=Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TNbxUwhS5RUC&pg=PA145 | access-date=20 August 2013 | year= 2011 | publisher=Oxford University Press | isbn=978-0-19-981260-8 | pages=145 }}</ref> He became involved with movements for [[social justice]], such as Baba Adhav's ''Ek Gaon Ek Panotha'' (One village – One well) initiative.<ref name="Hindustan Times Joshi">{{cite web|title=Dabholkar was a true crusader of rationalism|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/Dabholkar-was-a-true-crusader-of-rationalism/Article1-1110651.aspx|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|author=Satyajit Joshi|date=21 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925235129/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/Dabholkar-was-a-true-crusader-of-rationalism/Article1-1110651.aspx|archive-date=25 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Gradually, Dabholkar started focusing on eradication of superstition, and joined the Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS). In 1989, he founded the [[Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti]] (MANS, "Committee for Eradication of Superstition in Maharashtra" or "Maharashtra Committee for Eradication of Blind Faith"), and campaigned against superstitions, confronting dubious [[tantra|tantriks]] and claimed holy men who promised 'miracle cures' for ailments.<ref>{{cite news|title=He was not against God but fought exploitation|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/he-was-not-against-god-but-fought-exploitation/article5042507.ece?ref=relatedNews|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 August 2013|author=Priyanka Kakodkar}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/anti-superstition-campaigner-killed-in-pune-roundup-113082000742_1.html | title = Anti-superstition campaigner killed in Pune | date = 20 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013| newspaper = [[Business Standard]] }}</ref> He criticised the country's "[[Godman (Hindu ascetic)|godmen]]", self-styled Hindu ascetics who claim to perform miracles and have many followers.<ref name="BBC India" /> He was the founding member of ''Parivartan'', a social action centre located in Satara district, that seeks to "empower marginalised members of the community to lead lives of security, dignity, and prosperity".<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2 October 2013|url=http://www.parivartan.org.in/About/Parivartan.html |title=About: Parivartan}}</ref><ref name="DNA_2013-10_lakh"/> He was closely associated with the Indian rationalist [[Sanal Edamaruku]].<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/20/anti-superstition-narendra-dabholkar-shot-dead | title = Indian anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar shot dead | date = 20 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013 | author = Maseeh Rahman | newspaper = [[The Guardian]] }}</ref> He was the editor<ref>http://www.weeklysadhana.com/index.php/2009-12-01-10-44-17</ref> of a renowned [[Marathi language|Marathi]] weekly [[Sadhana (weekly)|''Sadhana'']], which was founded by [[Sane Guruji]].<ref name="DNA_2013-waged">{{cite news | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/1877128/report-narendra-dabholkar-the-man-who-waged-a-war-against-superstition-in-all-forms | title = Narendra Dabholkar, the man who waged a war against superstition in all forms | newspaper = [[DNA India]] | location = Pune | date = 20 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013 }}</ref> He also served earlier as a vice-president of the [[Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations]].

Between 1990–2010, Dabholkar was active in a movements for the equality of [[Dalits]] (untouchables) and against [[Caste system in India|India's caste system]] and [[Caste-related violence in India|caste-related violence]]. He advocated renaming the [[Marathwada University]] after [[Babasaheb Ambedkar]],<ref name="TOI Jadhav"/> who is the author of India's constitution and fought for the equality of Dalits. Dabholkar wrote books on superstitions and their eradication, and had addressed over 3,000 public meetings.<ref name="TOI Jadhav" /> He had taken on [[Asaram Bapu]] in March 2013 over an incident during [[Holi]] in Nagpur, when Bapu and his followers used drinking water from tankers brought from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to celebrate the festival. They were accused of wasting it while rest of Maharashtra faced drought.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/social-group-blames-asaram-bapu-wasting-water-165029776.html | title=Social group blames Asaram Bapu for 'wasting' water | newspaper=[[Yahoo! News]] |location= Nagpur | date=13 March 2013 | access-date=22 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/as-maharashtra-battles-drought-asaram-bapu-wastes-water-abuses-media-344045 | title=As Maharashtra battles drought, Asaram Bapu wastes water, abuses media | newspaper=[[NDTV]] |location=Mumbai | date=18 March 2013 | access-date=22 August 2013 | author=Mehta, Tejas}}</ref>

== Anti-superstition and black magic bill ==
{{main|Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance}}
In 2010, Dabholkar made several failed attempts to get an anti-superstition law enacted in the state of Maharashtra. Under his supervision, MANS drafted the Anti-Jaadu Tona Bill ([[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance]]).<ref name="DNA_2013-full-text">{{cite news | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1877221/report-full-text-of-the-draft-anti-superstition-law-proposed-by-narendra-dabholkar | title = Full text of the draft Anti-Superstition Law proposed by Narendra Dabholkar | newspaper = [[DNA India]] | location = Pune | date = 20 August 2013 }}</ref> It was opposed by some political parties and the [[Warkari]] sect.<ref name="DNA_2013-waged"/> Political parties like the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and the [[Shiv Sena]] opposed it claiming it would adversely affect Hindu culture, customs and traditions.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.punemirror.in/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=translate&sectid=62&contentid=201011092010110900034340baa4ea4&subsite= | title=Warkaris use saffron power to fight bill on witchcraft | newspaper=[[Mumbai Mirror|Pune Mirror]] | date=9 November 2010 | access-date=20 August 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131002061954/http://www.punemirror.in/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=translate&sectid=62&contentid=201011092010110900034340baa4ea4&subsite= | archive-date=2 October 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Critics accused him of being anti-religion but in an interview with the [[Agence France-Presse]] news agency he said, "In the whole of the bill, there's not a single word about God or religion. Nothing like that. The Indian constitution allows freedom of worship and nobody can take that away, this is about fraudulent and exploitative practices."<ref name="BBC India"/>

A couple of weeks before his death on 6 August 2013, Dabholkar had complained in a press conference that the bill had not been discussed despite being tabled in seven sessions of the state assembly. He had criticised the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, [[Prithviraj Chavan]], stating that the minister had disappointed the progressive people in the state.<ref name="DNA_2013-failed">{{cite news | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/1870464/report-cm-failed-to-discuss-anti-jaadu-tona-bill | title = 'CM failed to discuss Anti-Jaadu Tona Bill' | newspaper = [[DNA India]] | location = Pune | date = 6 August 2013 |access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> A day after Dabholkar's murder, the Maharashtra Cabinet cleared the [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance]], however the parliament would still need to support the bill for it to become law.<ref name="BBC India">{{cite news|title=Narendra Dabholkar: India's Maharashtra state bans black magic after killing|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23776406|newspaper=BBC India|date=21 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/maharashtra-cabinet-clears-antiblack-magic-and-superstition-ordinance/416031-3-237.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130823022913/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/maharashtra-cabinet-clears-antiblack-magic-and-superstition-ordinance/416031-3-237.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 23 August 2013 | title = Maharashtra Cabinet clears anti-black magic and superstition ordinance | date = 21 August 2013 |access-date=2 October 2013| newspaper = [[IBNLive]] }}</ref> After 29 amendments, it was finally enacted as an ordinance on 18 December 2013.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Maharashtra-Legislative-Council-Passes-Black-Magic-Bill/2013/12/19/article1953282.ece Maharashtra Legislative Council Passes Black Magic Bill]</ref>

==Assassination==
Dabholkar had faced several threats and assaults since 1983 but had rejected police protection.<ref name="TOI Jadhav"/>

{{Rquote|right|''If I have to take police protection in my own country from my own people, then there is something wrong with me, I'm fighting within the framework of the Indian constitution and it is not against anyone, but for everyone.''| Dabholkar on rejecting police protection<ref name="TOI Jadhav"/>}}

Murdered on 20 August 2013, while out on a morning walk, Dabholkar was shot down by two gunmen near Omkareshwar temple, [[Pune]] at 7:20 AM IST. The assailants fired four rounds at him from a [[point blank]] range and fled on a motorcycle parked nearby.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/1877240/report-a-blow-by-blow-account-of-the-last-moments-of-narendra-dabholkar-s-life | title = A blow by blow account of the last moments of Narendra Dabholkar's life | date = 20 August 2013 | newspaper = [[DNA India]] |access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/sorry-doctor-we-didnt-deserve-you/article5065450.ece|title= Sorry doctor, we didn't deserve you | newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> Two bullets hit Dabholkar in his head and chest and he died on the spot.

Dabholkar had originally donated his body to a medical college. But, the autopsy made necessary by his murder left the slain leader's body unfit for academic purposes.<ref name=autopsy>{{cite news|title=Dabholkar's wish to donate body remains unfulfilled|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/aug/210813-pune-dabholkars-wish-to-donate-body-remains-unfulfilled.htm|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[Mid-Day]]|date=21 August 2013|author=Salil Urunkar|location=Pune}}</ref> He was cremated in Satara without any religious rites.<ref name=practice/><ref name="farm ashes"/> His pyre was lit by his daughter, Mukta, in contradiction to the tradition where the son lights the pyre.<ref name="pyre Mukta">{{cite news|title=How Narendra Dabholkar practised what he preached|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/How-Narendra-Dabholkar-practised-what-he-preached/Article1-1112684.aspx|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=25 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928225455/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/How-Narendra-Dabholkar-practised-what-he-preached/Article1-1112684.aspx|archive-date=28 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="catch killers">{{cite news|title=Catch the killers fast: Dabholkar's kin|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1893971/report-catch-the-killers-fast-dabholkar-s-kin|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[DNA India]]|date=26 August 2013}}</ref> His ashes were collected without any religious ceremony and scattered over his organic farm.<ref name="farm ashes">{{cite news|title=Family decides not to immerse Narendra Dabholkar's ashes|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-23/india/41440330_1_ashes-water-body-farm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826054819/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-23/india/41440330_1_ashes-water-body-farm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2013|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 August 2013}}</ref>

===Reactions===
Dabholkar's assassination was condemned by many political leaders and social activists. The Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan announced a reward of {{INRConvert|1|m}} to any person with information of the assailants.<ref name="DNA_2013-10_lakh">{{cite news| url=http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/1877004/report-leading-anti-superstition-activist-narendra-dabholkar-shot-dead-in-pune | title=Anti-superstition leader Narendra Dabholkar shot dead; Prithviraj Chavan announces Rs 10 lakh reward for info on killers | location= Mumbai | newspaper=[[DNA India]] | date=20 August 2013 | access-date=20 August 2013 | author=Deshmukh, Chaitraly}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Anti-superstition-activist-Dabholkar-shot-dead-in-Pune-CM-Pawar-condemn-killing/articleshow/21930127.cms? | title = Anti-superstition activist Dabholkar shot dead in Pune; CM, Pawar condemn killing | newspaper = [[The Times of India]] | location = Pune | date = 20 August 2013|access-date=30 September 2013 }}</ref> Furthermore, political parties called for a [[bandh]] (strike) in Pune on 21 August,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/maharashtra/bandh-in-pune-over-rationalist-narendra-dabholkar-s-murder_870470.html | title=Bandh in Pune over rationalist Narendra Dabholkar's murder | date=21 August 2013 | access-date=21 August 2013|newspaper=[[Zee News]]}}</ref> and various institutions across Pune remained closed to protest Dabholkar's assassination.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/1878022/report-bandh-a-partial-success | title=Bandh a partial success | location= Pune | newspaper=[[DNA India]] | date=22 August 2013 | access-date=22 August 2013 | author= Anurag Bende}}</ref>

===Investigation===
[[File:41 Manvel Tuscano.jpg|thumb|right|An awareness campaign to highlight Narendra Dabholkar's death]]
On 20 August 2013, the police stated that it is under suspicion that it was a planned murder because the assailants were aware Dabholkar stays in Pune only on Mondays and Tuesdays.<ref name=planned>{{cite news|title=Rationalist Dabholkar shot dead|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rationalist-dabholkar-shot-dead/article5041138.ece|access-date=6 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 August 2013}}</ref> Chavan stated on 26 August 2013 that the police have some clues about his murder.<ref name=someclues>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 August 2013|location= Pune|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Police-have-some-clues-in-Narendra-Dabholkar-murder-case-Prithviraj-Chavan/articleshow/22059973.cms|title= Police have some clues in Narendra Dabholkar murder case: Prithviraj Chavan| access-date=26 August 2013}}</ref> On 2 September, the police stated that 7 surveillance cameras had captured footage of the two assassins, and the footage had been sent to a London-based forensic lab for analysis.<ref name=cctv>{{cite news|title=Narendra Dabholkar murder case: Police find suspects in 7 CCTV cameras|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MAH-PUN-narendra-dabholkar-murder-case-police-finds-suspects-in-7-cctv-cameras-4363986-NOR.html|access-date=2 October 2013|newspaper=[[Daily Bhaskar]]|date=2 September 2013}}</ref>

A [[Public Interest Litigation]] (PIL) was filed by activist Ketan Tirodkar, urging the case to be investigated by the [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA) instead of the state police, due to a lack of faith with the latter. The [[Bombay High Court]] sought responses from the NIA on 24 September.<ref name="response NIA">{{cite news|title=High Court seeks NIA reply in Dabholkar murder case|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/high-court-seeks-nia-reply-in-dabholkar-murder-case/article5164155.ece|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 September 2013}}</ref> On 15 October, NIA said the case was well within the Indian Penal Code, adding that it was only the assumptions of the petitioner that right-wing activists were involved and it was a scheduled plan.<ref name=TOISequeira>{{cite news|title=Cannot probe Dabholkar case, NIA tells high court|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-15/india/43065411_1_nia-act-narendra-dabholkar-scheduled-offence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111181558/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-15/india/43065411_1_nia-act-narendra-dabholkar-scheduled-offence|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 November 2013|access-date=11 November 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 October 2013|author=Rosy Sequeira}}</ref><ref name="NIA reply">{{cite news|title=NIA tells HC it cannot investigate Dabholkar's murder|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/nia-tells-hc-it-cannot-investigate-dabholkars-murder/20131015.htm|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[Rediff]]|date=15 October 2013}}</ref>

On 17 January 2014, during his visit to Pune, [[Minister of Home Affairs|Home Minister]] [[R. R. Patil]] gave Pune police a week to make some progress or hand over the case to the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI).<ref>{{cite news|title=Crack Dabholkar case in one week else give probe to CBI: R R Patil|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-19/india/46345975_1_rr-patil-pune-police-murder-case|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202155524/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-19/india/46345975_1_rr-patil-pune-police-murder-case|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2014|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 January 2014|location=Mumbai}}</ref> On 20 January, Pune police arrested two suspects based on ballistic reports. The suspects had been previously accused of firearms dealing.<ref name="arms dealer">{{cite news|title=Arms dealer, aide held in Dabholkar murder case|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-21/india/46410384_1_pune-police-narendra-dabholkar-murder-case|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131072404/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-21/india/46410384_1_pune-police-narendra-dabholkar-murder-case|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 January 2014|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="5 months">{{cite news|title=Five months on, cops make first arrests in Dabholkar murder case|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/five-months-on-cops-make-first-arrests-in-dabholkar-murder-case/|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=21 January 2014}}</ref> Later on 4 March 2014, the Bombay High Court heard a modified PIL from Tirodkar, which sought to involve the CBI in the investigation.<ref name=PIL_CBI>{{cite news|title=HC to hear PIL for CBI probe into Dabholkar killing|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/HC-to-hear-PIL-for-CBI-probe-into-Dabholkar-killing/articleshow/31385714.cms|access-date=30 March 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=3 March 2014}}</ref> The court directed the Pune police to submit copies of case diaries.<ref name=case_diary>{{cite news|title=Police submit 'case diaries' in Dabholkar killing before HC|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/maharashtra/police-submit-case-diaries-in-dabholkar-killing-before-hc_915677.html|access-date=30 March 2014|newspaper=[[Zee News]]|date=4 March 2014}}</ref> On 9 May 2014, the Bombay High Court transferred the case to the CBI.<ref>{{cite news|last=News Service|first=Express|title=Bombay High Court transfers Dabholkar murder probe to CBI|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/bombay-high-court-transfers-dabholkar-murder-probe-to-cbi/|access-date=10 May 2014|newspaper=Indian Express|date=10 May 2014}}</ref>

In August 2015, the CBI and Maharashtra government announced a {{INRConvert|1|m|to=USD|}} reward for any person providing information regarding Narendra Dabholkar's assailants.<ref>{{cite news|title=Two years on, Narendra Dabholkar killers still remain elusive|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/two-years-on-narendra-dabholkar-killers-still-remain-elusive/16468174|access-date=10 May 2014|newspaper=Mid Day|date=19 Aug 2015}}</ref>

On 18 August 2018, the CBI arrested Sachin Prakasrao Andure, suspected of being one of the gunmen.<ref name="firstpost.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/narendra-dabholkar-murder-cbi-arrests-gunman-involved-in-crime-hope-real-perpetrators-nabbed-soon-says-activists-son-hamid-4994041.html|title=Narendra Dabholkar murder: CBI arrests gunman involved in crime; hope real perpetrators nabbed soon, says activists son Hamid - Firstpost|website=www.firstpost.com|access-date=2018-08-19}}</ref> Dabholkar's son Hamid Dabholkar believed this to be an important development in the case which will help identify the planner behind the assassination.<ref name="firstpost.com"/>

==Legacy ==
By his assassination Narendra Dabholkar achieved the public protections against chicanery that he had been denied while he lived. The [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance]] was enacted by the government of [[Maharashtra]] in 2013. Since its passage, the law has been used to indict the perpetrators of a series of egregious lurid frauds, often combined with sexual assault. Unfortunately, the perpetrators have often eluded their victims and the police and escaped to other provinces in which no similar protection against charlatans yet exists.<ref>[http://www.antisuperstition.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146:crimes-registered-after-the-ordinance& catid=47:campaign-for-law&Itemid=123 Crimes Registered after the Ordinance Written by Krishna Chandgude Translated by Suman Oak]</ref>

The Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance applies only in the comparatively well-off and well-educated province of Maharashtra. In the rest of India the people lack comparable protection from fraudulent pretend-healers and other miracle fakers. Dalbholkar's daughter, Mukta, and other activists have picked up and carry forward his campaign for a national-wide anti-superstition law.<ref name="daughter">{{cite news|title=National anti-black magic bill required: Dabholkar’s daughter|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/national-antiblack-magic-bill-required-dabholkars-daughter/article5134507.ece|access-date=5 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=16 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="rahul pawar">{{cite news|title=Dabholkar aides meet Rahul, Pawar for central anti-superstition law|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/dabholkar-aides-meet-rahul-pawar-for-central-anti-superstition-law-1117877.html |access-date=5 October 2013|newspaper=[[First Post (India)]]|date=18 September 2013}}</ref>

The [[All India Peoples Science Network]] (AIPSN) observes August 20 as National Scientific Temper day to commemorate Dr Narendra Dabholkar.<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lectures-protests-planned-on-aug-20-to-mark-scientific-temper-day-5292974/</ref>
<ref>https://aipsn.in/node/7</ref>

==In popular culture==
The assassination is featured along with assassinations of other rationalists such as [[Govind Pansare]], [[M. M. Kalburgi]] and journalist [[Gauri Lankesh]] in the documentary mini-series [[Vivek-Reason]] by [[Anand Patwardhan]].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiQKtIOcha69CDZucPo8oYw/playlists</ref>

Short film The Bookshelf <ref>https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-stories-on-a-bookshelf/article17534565.ece</ref> was produced in the memory of Narendra Dabholkar, [[Govind Pansare]] and [[M. M. Kalburgi]]<ref>https://scroll.in/video/808224/watch-is-this-the-future-of-books-if-freedom-of-expression-is-curbed</ref> by three Indian publishing houses [[Tulika Books]], [[Perumal Murugan]]'s publisher Kalachuvadu and Deshabhimani Book House.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPrboBYj3X0</ref>

==See also==
* [[Superstition in India]]
* [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Ordinance]]
* [[Govind Pansare]]
* [[M. M. Kalburgi]]
* [[Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti|Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS; or Committee for Eradication of Blind Faith, CEBF), founded by Narendra Dabholkar]]
* [[Sebastian Martin]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://antisuperstition.org/ Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (antisuperstition.org)], founded by Narendra Dabholkar
{{Authority control}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Social Work}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dabholkar, Narendra}}
[[Category:1945 births]]
[[Category:2013 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian atheism activists]]
[[Category:Assassinated Indian people]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in India]]
[[Category:Indian kabaddi players]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian medical doctors]]
[[Category:Indian rationalists]]
[[Category:Indian religious sceptics]]
[[Category:Indian sceptics]]
[[Category:People from Satara (city)]]
[[Category:People murdered in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Persecution of atheists]]
[[Category:Shivaji University alumni]]
[[Category:Kabaddi players from Pune]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in social work]]
[[Category:Indian male social workers]]
[[Category:Scientists from Pune]]
[[Category:20th-century atheists]]
[[Category:21st-century atheists]]
[[Category:Medical doctors from Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Social workers from Maharashtra]]

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 The [[All India Peoples Science Network]] (AIPSN) observes August 20 as National Scientific Temper day to commemorate Dr Narendra Dabholkar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lectures-protests-planned-on-aug-20-to-mark-scientific-temper-day-5292974/|title=Lectures, protests planned on Aug 20 to mark Scientific Temper Day|date=6 August 2018}}</ref>
 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aipsn.in/node/7|title = National Scientific Temper Day (August 20th) &#124; aspin}}</ref>
 ==In popular culture==

Narendra Dabholkar - Revision history

148.64.5.4: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

>BattyBot: /* In popular culture */Removed/fixed incorrect author parameter(s), performed general fixes

>Kailash29792: /* Assassination */clean up