Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi in Defamation Case
In a recent court session in Pune, Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of prominent Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, asserted that former Congress President Rahul Gandhi mischaracterized his ancestor as an extreme hater of Muslims and a proponent of mob violence. The claims were made during ongoing proceedings in a criminal defamation trial initiated by Satyaki against Gandhi, following statements Gandhi allegedly made in London in 2023 [Satyaki Savarkar v. Rahul Gandhi].
According to Satyaki, Gandhi’s speech inaccurately depicted Vinayak Savarkar as someone who took pleasure in the assault of a Muslim man, a portrayal Satyaki firmly disputes. “Savarkar never hated Muslims; instead, his writings often highlighted paths for their advancement,” Satyaki stated, emphasizing the inaccuracy of Gandhi’s accusations.
Cross-Examination Highlights
During the cross-examination led by Gandhi’s defense lawyer, Advocate Milind D Pawar, Satyaki was asked to specify the defamatory remarks made by Gandhi. Responding to this inquiry, Satyaki recounted Gandhi’s claims about Savarkar’s alleged involvement in violence against a Muslim man, which he vehemently rejected.
Judicial Magistrate Amol Shinde presided over the proceedings where additional issues, including Vinayak Savarkar’s historical legal troubles under British rule, were addressed. Satyaki acknowledged that Savarkar had been accused by the British of conspiring against them, particularly in relation to the murder of Collector Jackson in Nashik.
Discussion on the Kapur Commission
Further questioning delved into the Kapur Commission’s investigation into Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Satyaki clarified that the Commission was tasked with investigating whether certain individuals or the government had prior knowledge of the assassination plot, not specifically to scrutinize Savarkar’s involvement.
Satyaki also addressed the writings of his grandfather, Gopal Godse, acknowledging that some books authored by Godse discussed the trial of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, particularly “Gandhi Hatya Ani Mee.” Satyaki’s legal counsel, Sangram Kothalkar, objected to some lines of questioning, with the court noting it would consider these objections in its final judgment.
Historical Context and Upcoming Proceedings
The court proceedings also revisited family ties, with references made to Satyaki’s maternal grandfather, Gopal Godse, and granduncle, Nathuram Godse, who were affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Video evidence featuring Gopal Godse was presented to the court, underscoring ideological contrasts between the Hindu Mahasabha and the RSS, and confirming Nathuram Godse’s role as an RSS volunteer.
The cross-examination is set to continue on September 3, promising further exploration of the historical and ideological narratives surrounding the case.
