Savarkar Kin Requests Access to Book Cited by Rahul Gandhi in Defamation Case

A Pune court received an application from Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of V D Savarkar, seeking access to a book referenced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The book was mentioned during Gandhi's alleged defamatory remarks against the Hindutva ideologue in a London speech. Satyaki claims Gandhi's statements were fabricated and not based on any writings by the freedom fighter.

In response, Milind Pawar, the defence lawyer for Rahul Gandhi, filed a separate application requesting details about Satyaki Savarkar's maternal lineage. The complainant's mother, Himani Ashok Savarkar, was related to Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin. Her father was Gopal Godse, Nathuram's brother.

Rahul Gandhi's Defamation Case

Satyaki Savarkar lodged a defamation complaint against Rahul Gandhi in March 2023. The complaint alleges that Gandhi claimed V D Savarkar wrote about beating a Muslim man with friends and feeling happy about it. Satyaki insists V D Savarkar never made such statements and labelled Gandhi's remarks as false and malicious.

The accused sought a book titled "Hindutva" by Savarkar, which was provided under protest. Satyaki's application states that the case has been pending since January 10, 2025, due to delays in recording Gandhi's plea. He accuses Gandhi of using delaying tactics.

Maternal Lineage Inquiry

While filing the case, Satyaki submitted his paternal lineage to establish his connection to V D Savarkar and highlight his contributions to India's freedom struggle. However, his maternal ancestry was not included in the complaint, which is deemed crucial for the hearing.

Pawar requested that Satyaki provide his maternal lineage from the Godse family in court. If he fails to do so, Pawar asked for an investigation by Vishrambaug police station in Pune into Himani Ashok Savarkar's ancestry and a report submission to the court.

Book Access for Fair Trial

Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, representing Satyaki Savarkar, emphasized the necessity of the book for a fair trial. He requested court directions for Rahul Gandhi to produce the book allegedly written by V D Savarkar and cited during his London speech.

The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the complexities surrounding historical narratives and familial ties. Both parties await further developments as they navigate these intricate issues in court.

With inputs from PTI