MANS Holds Fearless Walk in Mumbai on Dabholkar's Death Anniversary

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) held a 'Fearless Morning Walk' in Mumbai to mark the 13th death anniversary of Dr Narendra Dabholkar, the founder of MANS.

The walk, which took place in Bhatwadi, Ghatkopar, was organised by the MANS Mumbai district unit and demanded the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the alleged masterminds behind the killings of Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, Dr M M Kalburgi, and Gauri Lankesh.

Dabholkar, a social reformer, was shot dead while on his morning walk in Pune on August 20, 2013. He played a key role in drafting Maharashtra's anti-superstition legislation, the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.

The activists also protested against the Bombay High Court's decision to grant bail to Sachin Andure, who was convicted in Dabholkar's murder, and suspend his life sentence pending his appeal. The court observed that the evidence against Andure was 'extremely weak' and that there were 'fair chances' of his acquittal in the appeal.

Addressing the gathering in Ghatkopar, MANS Mumbai district working president Yash Suryawanshi questioned why the alleged masterminds had not been identified and arrested. He said MANS would continue to question the government and exercise its constitutional rights until those allegedly responsible for masterminding the killings were brought to justice.

The walk began at Bhatwadi Ganesh Temple and passed through the Waghdawala jogging track and LBS Road. A poster exhibition was organised as part of the programme, while participants raised slogans including 'Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar' and 'We are all Dabholkar'.

Trupti Patil, a lawyer and MANS activist, said the walks were organised to reaffirm the message that 'killing a person cannot kill an idea'.

The event was a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the need to continue fighting against superstition and violence.

The 'Fearless Morning Walk' was a powerful statement by the activists, who refused to be silenced or intimidated by the violence and threats they face.

In the end, the walk was a testament to the power of ideas and the importance of continuing to fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

The anniversary of Dabholkar's death serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting critical thinking and combating superstition in our society.

It is a call to action for all those who believe in the power of reason and the importance of promoting a more just and equitable society.

As the activists continue to demand justice for Dabholkar and others, it is clear that their struggle is far from over.

However, with their courage and determination, they will continue to inspire others to join them in their fight against superstition and violence.