कानून का क़त्ल

Satish Shetty’s brutal murder brings to the fore the audacity of corrupt real estate lobby whom could be primarily blamed for conspiring and implementing his killing. The 39 year old social activist was on the target of powerful real estate and construction lobby for his tenacious efforts in last decade to expose the corrupt practices in the sector worth crores of rupees. Satish was the voice of the hapless people in the area, who were victims of land grabbing tactics of land mafias, bureaucrats and corrupt politicians. In recent years, Satish Shetty had effectively utilized Right to Information Act (RTI) as a measure to focus on corruption at various places, from illegal construction of the powerful City Municipal Corporation President to the bogus ration cards utilized for sell of kerosene in the open market. He had become the guiding light for the people in the area who suffered due to bureaucratic apathy and corruption. The spontaneous Bandh observed by people in the Talegaon after his death demonstrated his popularity. He had no political base neither had he resorted to mass mobilizations on emotive issues; however, his dedication at selfless work for the betterment of system earned him a place in people’s heart. There is no doubt that a deep conspiracy has been hatched involving mafias, politicians and bureaucrats to shun the voice of sanity in public life. The conspirators must have spent huge amount in implementing the killing, thus revealing in itself the ‘loss’ they would have suffered if Shetty was allowed to live and work. The criminals, who have committed this heinous crime, must have calculated the probable days behind the bar against the prize money they were promised for killing Shetty. Or the conspirators and the criminals used for the murderous assault are so fearless of law that they are confident of evading the investigating agencies forever? The murder has thrown a challenge before all of us whether we want rule of law or rule by the mafias? The law makers, particularly those taking credit for the RTI Act, can not turn a blind eye towards this murder. It is not only the murder of one honest activist but assassination of the law unanimously and proudly passed by Parliament. The state government must need to act promptly, without fear and favor, to grab those responsible for Shetty’s murder. It is no secret that all the established politicians in Maharashtra are either land mafias, cooperative mafias or education mafias. In such a context, only immense pressure from civil society and outcry of public opinion can ensure speedy justice. It is a call to all social organizations, sensible politicians, activists, artists and concerned citizens to raise their voice against this killing to demand justice.