March 1, 2012

Phalgun Shukla 8, Kaliyug Varsha 5113

Issue of threat about destruction of Sanatan’s ashram given during election - canvassing for Congress candidate Ritesh Naik contesting from Madakai (Goa) constituency 

Ponda (Goa) :  A speaker canvassing for a Congress candidate from Madakai in Ponda taluka in connection with State Legislative Assembly elections made announcements about destroying the ashram of Sanatan Sanstha and forcefully impose ban on it. This can lead to causing terror and it is against the code of conduct prescribed for elections. It can also create problems in maintenance of law and order. The threat should be immediately taken note of, action should be taken against the culprits and security should be provided to the ashram, were the demands made by Mr. Veerendra Marathe, the manager of Sanatan’s ashram at Ramnathi through a complaint lodged with the Director General of Police (DGP) and with local police station.

It has been stated in the application made by Mr. Marathe that Sanatan Sanstha is an organisation engaged in spreading spirituality. The Sanstha is not involved in any bomb blasts and it has been proved through the investigations carried so far. Further, it is a deliberate defamation of Sanatan Sanstha when the name of the Sanstha is linked to bomb blasts only for political gains although the matter is sub judice. This is also against the Code of Conduct prescribed for elections; therefore, stringent action should be taken against the conveners of the meeting. Mr. Marathe has sought police protection for Sanatan’s ashram  at Ramnathi, on 3rd March; besides on 6th March, the day on which the results are going to be declared.

During the meeting to canvass for the Congress candidate Mr. Ritesh Ravi Naik contesting from Madakai Constituency, a speaker had passed comments provoking people’s sentiments and defaming Sanstha; besides he had also said about destruction of Sanatan’s ashram when change of power takes place on 3rd March. In this background, such complaint has been lodged by Mr. Marathe. It has been mentioned by Mr. Marathe in his complaint that Goa police, special investigation team (SIT) of Goa police, national investigating agencies have so far conducted  inquiry of office bearers of the Sanstha and its seekers on number of occasions. Raid was also carried on Sanatan’s ashram at Ramnathi for 5 times and even on other Sanatan ashrams. Sanstha’s papers have been confiscated but nothing suspicious could be found. There is no accusation in the charge sheet filed by the agencies. Recently, therefore, even the High Court has asked national investigation agency to return some of the papers to Sanatan Sanstha confiscated in connection with bomb blast case. Even then, if any law and order problem arises in future or if any danger is created for Sanatan seekers or the ashram due to the objectionable announcements made during the election meeting; the total responsibility of the same will be with Ritesh Ravi Naik and his associates.

A copy of the complaint has also been submitted with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Chief Secretary, Goa State Government, Central Election Commissioner, New Delhi, Goa Labour Journalists’ Organisation and Opposition leader, Mr. Manohar Parrikar.

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat