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Civil Society condemns the criminal intimidation made to renowned scholar -activist Dr. Ram Puniyani

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TCN News

Civil society organisations and activists from all over India have expressed shock and dismay that Dr. Ram Puniyani has received threatening calls by unidentified callers yesterday, 6th June, who used abusive and filthy language towards Dr. Puniyani and warned him to leave in 15 days or face the consequences.

A few months back, three unknown persons posing as officials enquiring about passport application visited Dr. Puniyani and made some personal enquiries, this despite the fact that Dr. Puniyani had not applied for any passport.

Condemning the actions of these cowardly callers, civil society members have, in their press release, stated that these repeated threats post a great danger to the life of Dr. Puniyani who has been a strong secular voice and crusader for communal harmony. This is nothing but an attempt to silence his voice and curb his emphatic efforts towards spreading the message of peace and harmony. Already we have witnessed grave attacks on and assassinations of rationalists and secular thinkers, including Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, Prof. Govind Pansare, Prof. Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh, amongst others. Several writers, journalists, RTI activists, artists, lawyers etc. have been under attack by right wing forces. In light of these recent attacks, it is important that the police authorities and state administration takes serious note of and prompt action in this case, and take all measures to ensure safety of Dr. Puniyani and his family.

 They have also demanded safety of Dr Puniyani and a speedy and thorough investigation into the crime.

 Dr. Puniyani has filed criminal complaint in the police station.  A delegation of civil society activists met the Joint Commissioner who has assured them that the incident will be investigated seriously and measures taken to ensure Dr. Puniyani’s safety and has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, MIDC, Dr. Sangramsingh Nishandar to look into the complaint.