Bombay HC dissatisfied with probe in Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare murders

The Bombay High Court on 3 May expressed its dissatisfaction over the slow progress of investigations into the murders of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and activist Govind Pansare.

A division bench, headed by Justice SC Dharmadhikari, perused the probe reports - submitted by CBI which is probing the Dabholkar case and the state CID which is investigating the Pansare case - and said the investigations were not satisfactory.

The bench directed both the agencies to continue their probe and sought progress reports on 23 June. "We hope that at least now the agencies will show real and concrete progress in the probe," the high court said.

"We expect the agencies to show promptness while investigating such cases. Both are premier agencies and should demonstrate vigilance. If you (CBI and CID) are facing any difficulties or any direct or indirect obstacles, then be candid and say so," the court said.

The high court also suggested that both agencies get in touch with the victims' families as they might have some valuable information. The court also suggested that the agencies contact the police officers who were first probing the cases before they were transferred to independent agencies.

Public prosecutor Sandeep Shinde, appearing for the CID, told the court that it has already filed a chargesheet against the arrested accused, Sameer Gaikwad, in the Pansare case.

Dabholkar was killed in August 2013. Pansare was shot on 16 February, 2015. He succumbed to his wounds four days later.

Earlier, the CBI had told the high court that it was probing the role of right-wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha in the murder of Dabholkar.

-PTI