Panaji: The Congress in Goa today demanded a ban on Sanatan Sanstha, which is under the 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," Mr Kawathankar said.
The Congress Goa spokesperson questioned that "if Pramod 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 Panaji, near Ponda town.
Mr 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 the Sanatan Sanstha.
"The close links of the PWD minister and his family to Sanatan Sanstha has made the government slow paddle on the issue," Mr 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.
"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.
The Congress Goa spokesperson questioned that "if Pramod Muthalik can be banned then why not Sanatan Sanstha?"
Advertisement
Sanatan Sanstha is headquartered at Ramnathi village, 30 kms from Panaji, near Ponda town.
Advertisement
"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.
Advertisement
"The close links of the PWD minister and his family to Sanatan Sanstha has made the government slow paddle on the issue," Mr D'Mello said.
Advertisement
When contacted, Dhavalikar said that he should not be unnecessarily dragged in the controversy.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Goa's Law And Order Deteriorating, Cops Visit Discos, Casinos: Opposition Leader 36 Days Review: SonyLiv’s Murder Mystery Starring Purab Kohli, Neha Sharma Is Overstretched and Predictable "If We Commit Same Mistakes As Congress...": Nitin Gadkari Cautions BJP What Trump Rally Shooter Did On Last Day Of His Life Meet Indian-Origin Usha Chilukuri Vance, Wife Of Trump's Vice President Pick Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment Four In Five Americans Fear Country Is Sliding Into Chaos: Polls Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 2.39 Lakh Admission Deadline Extended For EWS And Special Needs Children Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.