It defies credulity that the Maharashtra Police have come to rely on supernatural mumbo-jumbo  in the investigation of the murder of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar. It is particularly ironic in the context of the life-long mission of Dr Dabholkar  which was dedicated to bringing about a society based on rationalism and the ideals of enlightenment.

It is distressing to learn that some members of the scientific community have defended the use of  such unsubstantiated dubious methods in this very serious criminal investigation.  Such methods would not be considered admissible in a court of law with the usual standards of evidence and they could hardly stand up to rigorous scientific scrutiny even at the most elementary level.

This stubborn hold of irrationality even among otherwise well-meaning individuals gives some idea about the difficulties faced by the rationalist movement and  the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti. One can only hope that perhaps it  will strengthen the resolve of the members and well-wishers of ANiS to re-engage in this important struggle with a greater awareness of the challenges.