Man held for Dabholkar murder also kept a watch on Pansare

The investigation into the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Pune has given the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a lead in another case — the killing of Kolhapur-based activist Govind Pansare

The investigation into the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Pune has given the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a lead in another case — the killing of Kolhapur-based activist Govind Pansare.

The central agency claimed Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Janjagruti Samiti member Dr Virendra Tawade, arrested for planning Dabholkar’s murder, had rented a house in Kolhapur for 10 days, to keep a watch on Pansare before he was shot dead. The rented residence was close to Pansare’s house, sources said.

Investigators believe two individuals — Rudra Patil and Sarang Akolkar — may have gunned down Dabholkar, Pansare and Kannada writer MM Kalburgi. Their names cropped up after Tawade’s arrest.

Sources said the information collected by Tawade was used by absconding suspects Patil and Akolkar. Both of them are also Sanatan Sanstha members and suspects in the 2009 Madgaon blast as well.

Sanatan Sanstha has denied any involvement in any of the crimes.

Police teams comprising officers of the CBI, the Kolhapur police and the Karnataka police on Wednesday were in Panvel to decide strategy and collect evidence against Tawade, who lives in the area.

The state police have already arrested Sameer Gaikwad, another Sanatan Sanstha member, for Pansare’s murder.