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Journalist says threatened by Sanatan Sanstha, refuses police cover
Mumbai, Sep 21
Journalist Nikhil Wagle, known
for his aggressive stance on various public issues, says he has received
threats from Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha. Maharashtra Police have
offered him security cover, which he has declined saying as a media
person he would not be able to work under such measures.
"Last
week, four police officers visited me to offer security. They have even
given a letter to this effect, but I have rejected. I am a journalist.
How will I function with security? Moreover, it is the duty of the
government to ensure security of all people, not just mine," Wagle told
media persons here on Monday.
Wagle said he received threats from the Sanatan Sanstha on Twitter and also through its mouthpiece Sanatan Prabhat.
Last week, the Sanatan Prabhat penned an article warning Wagle on airing his views.
Around four years ago, Sanatan Sanstha's office-bearer Abhay Vartak staged a walkout from a television show hosted by Wagle.
The
Sanatan Sanstha has once again shot into prominence after one of its
activists, Samir V. Gaikwad, was arrested from Sangli in Maharashtra and
two others from Karnatata in connection with the murder of Communist
leader Govind Pansare in Kolhapur in February.
Pansare, 81, and
his wife Uma were shot at by two motorcycle-riding attackers on February
16 near their home. While Pansare died from his injuries four days
later, Uma survived but has been left a cripple.
Following Gaikwad's arrest, many organisations and political parties have demanded a ban on the Sanatan Sanstha.