Bombay HC grants bail to Dabholkar murder convict Sharad Kalaskar
Synopsis
Eleven years after rationalist Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead in Pune, the Bombay High Court has granted bail to his convicted killer Sharad Kalaskar — citing unresolved doubts about identification. With appeals against both convictions and acquittals still pending, the case's final chapter is far from written.
Key Takeaways
The Bombay High Court granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar on 29 April 2025 , pending his appeal against a 2024 life sentence for the Dabholkar murder.
The court cited doubts over Kalaskar's identification as one of the shooters and the prolonged time the appeal is likely to take.
Bail was granted on a personal bond of ₹50,000 ; observations at this stage are prima facie only.
Narendra Dabholkar , founder of MANS , was shot dead in Pune on 20 August 2013 .
Co-accused Sachin Prakashrao Andure was also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024 .
Appeals against both convictions and acquittals in the case remain pending before the Bombay High Court .
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday, 29 April granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar, convicted in the 2013 murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, with the court noting that questions remain over his identification as one of the shooters. The relief comes pending the final hearing of Kalaskar's appeal against his 2024 conviction and life sentence awarded by a special court in Mumbai.
What the Court Decided
A division bench of the Bombay High Court allowed Kalaskar's bail plea, granting him release on a personal bond of ₹50,000. The court clarified that its observations at this stage are prima facie in nature and will carry no bearing on the final adjudication of the appeal. The bench took note of submissions that the appeal is likely to take considerable time to reach final disposal, making continued incarceration potentially unjustified.
Identification Doubts at the Centre of the Plea
Kalaskar's counsel argued before the court that there were significant inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, particularly regarding his identification as one of the two motorcycle-borne shooters. The defence contended that these doubts, combined with the prolonged period already spent in custody, warranted interim relief. The court found merit in these submissions while granting bail.
The Dabholkar Murder: Background
Narendra Dabholkar, a 67-year-old anti-superstition activist and founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), was shot dead by two assailants on a motorcycle in Pune on 20 August 2013. The killing triggered nationwide outrage and intensified demands for a law against black magic and superstition. In 2024, a special court convicted Kalaskar and co-accused Sachin Prakashrao Andure, sentencing both to life imprisonment. However, the same court acquitted them of charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and also acquitted several other accused — decisions that have since been challenged before the High Court.
Prior Bail in Pansare Case
This is not the first time Kalaskar has received bail from the Bombay High Court. The court had earlier granted him bail in connection with the murder of Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Govind Pansare, citing prolonged incarceration of nearly seven years and delays in the trial. The two cases are part of a broader pattern of killings of rationalist thinkers in India that have drawn sustained scrutiny from multiple investigative agencies.
Where the Case Stands
Appeals related to both convictions and acquittals in the Dabholkar case are currently pending before the Bombay High Court. Multiple agencies have probed alleged conspiracy links between the various accused. The case remains one of the most closely watched in India's legal landscape involving the targeted killing of rationalist voices, and its final resolution is expected to set significant precedents.
Point of View
Yet the appeals process may stretch just as long, making continued incarceration legally precarious even for those found guilty by a trial court. The identification doubts flagged by the High Court are significant — they suggest the prosecution's case may not be airtight despite a conviction. More broadly, the Dabholkar, Pansare, and Lankesh killings remain collectively unresolved at the appellate level, raising questions about whether the investigative and prosecutorial machinery has built cases durable enough to survive scrutiny at the highest levels.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Bombay High Court grant bail to Sharad Kalaskar?
The Bombay High Court granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar citing doubts over his identification as one of the shooters in the Dabholkar murder and the likelihood that his appeal will take considerable time to be finally decided. The court clarified its observations are prima facie and will not affect the final appeal outcome.
Who was Narendra Dabholkar and how was he killed?
Narendra Dabholkar was a 67-year-old rationalist activist and founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), known for his campaign against superstition. He was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants in Pune on 20 August 2013, triggering nationwide outrage.
What was the verdict in the Dabholkar murder case in 2024?
In 2024, a special court convicted Sharad Kalaskar and co-accused Sachin Prakashrao Andure, sentencing both to life imprisonment for the murder of Narendra Dabholkar. The same court, however, acquitted them of UAPA charges and also acquitted several other accused persons.
Has Kalaskar received bail in other cases?
Yes, the Bombay High Court had earlier granted Kalaskar bail in connection with the murder of Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Govind Pansare, citing prolonged incarceration of nearly seven years and delays in the trial.
What happens next in the Dabholkar murder case?
Appeals against both the convictions and the acquittals in the Dabholkar case are currently pending before the Bombay High Court. The final adjudication of Kalaskar's appeal against his life sentence is expected to take considerable time.
