Whistleblower condemn the murder of RTI activist Bhupendra Vira and demanded strict action against the accused.
The murder of Whistleblower Bhupendra Vira has raised questions about the safety of RTI activists in the state. Even though Maharashtra is known as a progressive and industrially developed state but it also has the dubious distinction of rising cases related to attacks on RTI activists. As per a data compiled by NGO Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) 60 RTI activists have been attacked and 10 of them being murdered in the state till September 2015. Many of them also receive threatening calls from mafia, slumlords and real estate lobbies. Even though the Whistle Blowers Protection Act was passed in 2014 to protect the identity of whistleblowers but attacks on RTI activists continue to rise in the state. There has been no mechanism to safeguard the lives of activists who risk their lives while seeking important information about various projects and welfare schemes. Netizens condemned the attack on Mr Vira and demanded a stringent legislation to protect RTI activists.
Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson, Preeti Sharma Menon said, “Activist Bhupendra Vira murdered by land mafia in Mumbai! Builders wield immense influence under the BJP-Sena government. Strict action must be taken against the accused responsible for his murder.”
Vivek Pandit former MLA who heads the Shramjeevi Sanghatna said, “I seriously condemn the cowardly attack on 72 year old RTI activist Bhupendra Vira who was shot dead at his home. He had raised issues of illegal construction.”
RTI activist Anil Galgali said, “The attacks on RTI activists are a reflection of poor security situation in the state. The government must take action against the accused and enhance the safety of RTI activists.”
Former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi said, “The Whistle Blower Act is not effective and the government should not only provide security to RTI activists but also to citizens.”
Mohammad Raza posted, “Senior RTI activist Bhupendra Vira shot dead at his residence. If incidences like these happen who would dare to perform good work?”
Ashish Vivek Merukar said, “I strongly condemn the brutal murder of RTI activist Bhupendra Vira in Mumbai. Who is responsible for his murder in broad daylight?”
Nelson posted, “Seventy two year old RTI activist Bhupendra Vira shot dead at his home in Mumbai; he had raised illegal construction and encroachment issues. Hope justice will be served to Bhupendra Vira who stood against corruption.”
“My father-in-law took on several people who were into illegal construction. He has filed several RTI applications for obtaining information in illegal constructions. The prime person among them is an ex-corporator,” said Sheela Vira, daughter-in-law of Bhupendra Vira.
“We have a property dispute with the ex-corporator. He has many illegal constructions and gives weekly bribes to police and BMC so no action is taken against him. My father-in-law stood against all his wrongdoings and so he has been killed,” added Sheela
Bhupendra was shot dead at his residence at Kalina, Santacruz (East) on Saturday night. After committing the crime the accused had fled from the spot and Vakola police are searching for him. As per the preliminary investigation, property dispute could be the reason behind murder, said a police officer.
