Indian writer, activist and one of the founding members of 'Dalit Panther' – Raja Dhale passed away on Tuesday morning at his residence in Vikhroli. The last rites will be performed on Wednesday morning at 'Chaityabhoomi' in Dadar.
The 78-year-old Ambedkarite fell on the floor after waking up and was rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared him dead. Dhale is survived by his wife Deeksha and daughter Gatha.
In the year 1972, Dhale along with others founded Dalit Panther, a youth-based resistance group against caste discrimination. The organisation was inspired by Black Panther in the United States of America (USA).
Top Dalit leaders and Republican Party of India (A) chief Ramdas Athawale expressed their grief. Athawale said that Dhale was an important role in the Ambedkar movement.