Media organisations, NGOs and social groups participated in huge processions taken out in Rajapur and Mumbai to protest against the daylight mowing down of journalist Shashikant Warishe in Ratnagiri earlier this week.
Warishe, 48, was knocked down and dragged with his bike by a SUV allegedly driven by a local realty agent, Pandharinath Amberkar, 42, on Monday.
While the scribe succumbed to his serious injuries on Tuesday, Amberkar was arrested and charged with murder following a massive hue and cry.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut, who represents the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha seat, joined the silent procession this morning in which local journalists and media associations, youth and social organisations, besides teenagers and senior citizens participated.
They carried banners and placards demanding the most stringent punishment for the prime accused Amberkar, currently in police custody.
On Friday evening, Mumbai also witnessed a silent, black-badge procession at the Gandhi statue near Mantralaya, the protesters demanded the trial in a fast-track court, compensation of Rs. 50 Lakhs for Warishe's kin and the most stringent punishment for the accused.
All political parties have condemned the incident and Nationalist Congress Party's Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar today said he would raise the issue in the Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislature later this month.
NCP President Sharad Pawar demanded a detailed investigation to reveal the mastermind and plot behind Warishe's killing.
Congress President Nana Patole, Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe and other leaders have demanded a thorough probe to reveal the real conspirators and ensure the most stringent punishment for all the accused.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut claimed that even he has received 'threats' warning "you will meet the same fate as Warishe", and demanded to unravel who is the 'mastermind' of the scribe's killing.
On the other hand, MP Vinayak Raut has pointed fingers at the family of Union MSME Minister Narayan Raut alleging their links with the prime accused.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured a full probe into the Warishe case and suitable action against the guilty.
Warishe had been running a campaign against the upcoming refinery and petrochemicals complex coming up in the region, while Amberkar was a supporter of the mega-project.
Besides several political parties, top journalists' and human rights organisations have condemned Warishe's killing as an assault on the freedom of the press.
Tripura making significant strides towards rapid development: CM Dr Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the present state government is committed to delivering good governance to all sections of society, with the state making significant strides towards rapid development.
Wanted NSCN (K-YA) cadre held in Assam by security forces
The army and Assam Rifles in coordination with the Assam Police, apprehended a wanted top cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Khaplang’s Yung Aung faction (NSCN-K-YA) from the state's Charaideo district, officials said on Monday.
PM Modi condemns Germany market attack, advocates brotherhood at CBCI Christmas event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned attempts to incite violence in society, highlighting that the teachings of Jesus Christ promote love, harmony, and brotherhood.
National Awardee film-maker and 'parallel cinema' doyen Shyam Benegal dies at 90
Shyam Sunder S. Benegal, a multiple National Award winner and among the pioneers of ‘parallel cinema’ – with silver screen classics like “Junoon”, “Ankur”, “Manthan”, “Zubeida” and “The Making of the Mahatma” – passed away after a long battle with a kidney disease, his family said here on Monday.
End of no-detention policy: Students failing final exams in Classes 5, 8 will be retained in same grade
The central government has scrapped the "no-detention policy" in schools. In this regard, the Ministry of Education has issued an official Gazette notification.
Former SC judge V. Ramasubramanian appointed as NHRC Chairperson
After being without a regular designated head for over six months, the Centre on Monday cleared the appointment of retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Minister Sushanta Chowdhury chairs 15th meeting of state road safety council
The state road and transport minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Monday chaired the 15th meeting of the State Road Safety Council here at Agartala and said that the government is contemplating to ensure zero road accidents through generating more awareness.
Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb slams Congress's dynastic politics
Former Tripura Chief Minister and current Lok Sabha MP, Biplab Kumar Deb, on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party's dynastic politics, accusing it of surrendering power to the communists in the state due to family-based succession.