The Mumbai Press Club deeply condoles the untimely passing away of R R Patil, senior leader of Nationalist Congress Party and former Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister.

Patil was sensitive to the issues concerning journalists, and always made space to receive delegations from the Mumbai Press Club. Whether it was attacks on mediapersons, or the wrongful arrest of a journalist, he proactively intervened to see there was no discrimination against the Fourth Estate. 

When a media delegation from Pakistan visited Mumbai and Pune, he personally ensured security arrangements and accorded them the status of 'state guest'.

Whether it is the killing of investigative journalist J Dey or the suicide by corporate communication professional Charu Deshpande, he directed the police to investigate the cases with vigour.

We will miss a friend.

May his soul rest in peace, and we hope his family will have the strength to bear the huge loss of his departure. 

Secretary 

Mumbai Press Club

February 16, 2015