The Congress in Goa demanded a ban on Sanatan Sanstha, which is under scanner for the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, even as it targeted State Public Works Department minister Sudin Dhavalikar for his “close links” with the right wing outfit.
“The activities of Sanatan Sanstha should be banned from immediate effect. One of their seekers (follower) has been arrested by CBI in connection with the Dabholkar murder case, while another one (Sarang Akolkar) is on the run since the Margao bomb blast in 2009,” state Congress’ spokesman Sunil Kawathankar said at a press conference along with party colleague Trojano D’Mello.
“We demand the organisation (Sanatan Sanstha) be declared as terror organisation and banned. We had written to the union ministry in the past but they said that it is a state matter,” Kawathankar said.
The Congress Goa spokesman questioned that “if Muthalik can be banned then why not Sanatan Sanstha?”
Goa government has banned the entry of Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik in the state citing law and order issues.
Sanatan Sanstha is headquartered at Ramnathi village, 30 kms from here, near Ponda town.
Kawathankar said the recent arrest of Virendra Tawade from Panvel in Navi Mumbai has indicated that he was also linked with the Margao bomb blast case.
“It is high time that the organisation be banned in the state. If state government fails to do so, we will protest on the streets pressing for the demand,” he said.
The Congress party also pointed out close links of state PWD minister Sudin Dhavalikar to Sanatan Sanstha.
“The close links of the PWD minister and his family to Sanatan Sanstha has made the government slow paddle on the issue,” D’Mello said.
“The BJP should stop helping the people who create hatred and spread violence in the society,” he said.
When contacted, Dhavalikar said that he should not be unnecessarily dragged in the controversy.
“Investigation agencies are doing their job. I don’t support a ban on the organisation and state government has no role to play in the investigation of Dabholkar murder,” he said.
