Nawab Malik writes to Maharashtra CM against Sanatan lawyer, wants action

Objecting to a tweet by Sanatan Sanstha lawyer, Sanjeev Punalekar, allegedly threatening the president of the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, NCP, on Thursday wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking that a criminal complaint be lodged against him. The NCP also said it will drag Mr Punalekar to court if the government does not act against him.

The controversy erupted a day before Mr Punalekar tweeted, “You go for morning walk Sripal Sabnis”. Sanatan Sanstha member, Sameer Gaikwad, is undergoing trial for allegedly killing Comrade Govind Pansare when he had gone for a morning walk. Earlier, rationalist leader, Narendra Dabholkar, too, was killed in a similar manner.

In the letter, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “As you are aware, Mr Punalekar is associated with Sanatan Sanstha which is under the scanner in connection with the murders of Dr Dabholkar and Comrade Pansare. Both were shot dead when they were out for their morning walk.”

Mr Malik further wrote to the CM, who also holds the home portfolio, that action be taken under IPC 506 (II). “Under the circumstances, the tweet by Mr Punalekar amounts to serious criminal intimidation and is a cognisable offence under Section 506(II) of the IPC. Also, this is not the first time that Mr Punalekar has engaged in such a threatening gesture on social media. You are requested to issue directions to police authorities to take immediate penal action against Mr Punalekar,” wrote Mr Malik.

Speaking to journalists about the same, the NCP spokesperson alleged that Mr Punalekar being a lawyer, knows the implications of his tweet. “Despite knowing the laws, Mr Punalekar has deliberately tweeted to threaten Mr Sabnis. We will go to the court if action is not taken against him,” he said.