Wednesday, 19 August 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Dabholkar Murder: Bail to Second Shooter

Bombay HC grants bail, cites weak evidence. Second shooter to remain free pending appeal.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Tue, 18 August 2026 at 09:06 pm
Dabholkar Murder: Bail to Second Shooter

The Bombay High Court has granted bail to the second shooter accused in the murder of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar. The court cited 'very weak' evidence against the accused.

The accused, who is the second shooter in the case, had appealed against his conviction. The High Court, while granting bail, observed that the evidence presented against him was not strong enough.

Narendra Dabholkar, a renowned anti-superstition activist, was murdered in 2013 in Pune. The case had sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. The investigation into the case led to the arrest of several accused, including the two shooters.

The trial court had convicted the second shooter, along with others, for their role in the murder. However, the accused had appealed against the conviction, citing lack of evidence. The High Court, while hearing the appeal, granted bail to the accused, pending the outcome of the appeal.

The Bombay High Court's decision is seen as a significant development in the case. The court's observation on the weakness of the evidence is likely to have implications for the prosecution's case.

Narendra Dabholkar's murder case had highlighted the need for stronger laws against superstition and vigilantism. The case had also led to widespread debates on the role of right-wing extremist groups in the country.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency had arrested several accused, including the two shooters, and had presented evidence against them in the trial court.

The grant of bail to the second shooter is likely to be seen as a setback for the prosecution. However, the High Court's decision is subject to the outcome of the appeal, and the accused may still be convicted if the evidence is found to be sufficient.

The case is being closely watched by human rights activists and organizations. The murder of Narendra Dabholkar had sent shockwaves across the country, and the case is seen as a test of the country's commitment to protecting free speech and dissent.

In recent years, there have been several instances of attacks on rationalists and free thinkers. The murder of Narendra Dabholkar, along with other similar cases, has highlighted the need for stronger protection for those who challenge superstition and orthodoxy.

The Bombay High Court's decision in the case is likely to have implications for the ongoing debate on free speech and dissent in the country. The case is a reminder of the need for a strong and independent judiciary to protect the rights of citizens and ensure justice.

The appeal against the conviction is likely to be heard in the coming months. The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched by human rights activists and organizations.

The case has also highlighted the need for stronger laws against hate speech and vigilantism. The murder of Narendra Dabholkar was a brutal reminder of the dangers of unchecked extremism and the need for stronger protections for those who challenge orthodoxy.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's decision to grant bail to the second shooter in the Narendra Dabholkar murder case is a significant development. The case is a reminder of the need for a strong and independent judiciary to protect the rights of citizens and ensure justice.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Narendra Dabholkar?

Narendra Dabholkar was an anti-superstition activist who was murdered in 2013 in Pune.

What was the Bombay High Court's decision in the case?

The Bombay High Court granted bail to the second shooter accused in the murder case, citing 'very weak' evidence.

narendra dabholkarbombay high courtanti-superstition activist
X Facebook Telegram
Read the original report ↗

More in Mumbai

Mumbai

Mumbai Open Spaces Policy Stalls for 10 Years

Mumbai's open spaces in jeopardy, policy stalled for a decade. Multiple sites under threat.

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 40 min ago

Mumbai

BMC Properties Face Privatization

Opposition alleges BMC properties being privatized, BMC denies claims

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 48 min ago

Mumbai

Taj Hotel Agreement Signed in Sindhudurg

A tripartite agreement has been signed for a new Taj Hotel in Sindhudurg. The agreement marks a significant development for the region's tourism industry.

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 49 min ago

Mumbai

BMC Approves Expo Centre Plan for Mumbai Football Turf

Mumbai's only full football turf to be converted, BMC gives nod

By Mumbai Alert · City Desk · 52 min ago