Bombay HC pulls up agencies over poor progress in Pansare, Dabholkar murder cases

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday pulled up investigating agencies over the slow progress in the probe of the murders of veteran CPI leader Govind Pansare and anti-superstition activist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar.

During the hearing today, the Bombay High Court said that it was 'not satisfied' with the progress in the cases, and asked the investigating agencies to submit a progress report by June 23.

"The High Court has expressed severe dissatisfaction regarding progress made in investigation.. Court observed that these investigating agencies are not leading to specific destination, there is no conclusion till now," Dr. Narendra Dabholkar's daughter Mukta Dabholkar told ANI.

Pansare's family had last year sought a SIT probe, alleging that the Maharashtra Police had failed to make any progress in the investigation of the CPI leader's murder.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had in September last year arrested one Sameer Gaikwad, and four more persons, from in Sangli region of Kohlapur district in connection with the case.

Pansare and his wife were severely injured after unknown assailants fired on the couple on February 16, 2015, while they were out for their morning walk at Sagarmala area of Kolhapur city. Pansare later succumbed to his injuries on February 20 in the hospital.

Dabholkar, a doctor, was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra Government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill. Right wing Hindu groups, including certain sections of the Warkari Sect and political parties had been opposing to the bill.

Police said Dabholkar, who was in his 60s, was gunned down in August 2014 by unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants around near Omkareshwar Temple while he was on a morning walk.