CBI for 3rd opinion on weapon used in rationalists' murder

MUMBAI: The CBI is considering going for a third opinion on the weapon used in the murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi and activist Govind Pansare, after Bangalore and Mumbai forensic labs differed on the issue, the agency told the Bombay High Court today.

While the Bangalore forensic science laboratory (FSL) was of the opinion that different weapons were used in the murders, the Kalina FSL in Mumbai opined that the weapon used in all the three cases were the same.

Counsel Anil Singh, appearing for CBI (which is probing the Dabholkar murder), today told a division bench headed by Justice R V More that the agency was considering seeking third opinion on the ballistic reports from experts in Scotland. Singh said this would take at least two months.

The CBI, probing the Dabholkar case, and the state CID, which is investigating the Pansare murder case, submitted investigation reports in the court today.

The bench, after perusing it, said the investigation is at a crucial stage and both the agencies are making sincere efforts.

Advocate Abhay Nevgi, appearing for the kin of Dabholkar and Pansare who petitioned the high court seeking setting up of an independent investigation team to probe the murders, wanted the probe to be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The court, however, noted that the CBI is in touch with NIA and hence there is no need to hand over probe to the latter at this stage.

The court posted the petition for hearing on February 29 and sought progress reports from CBI and CID.

Dabholkar was killed in August 2013, while Pansare was shot dead on February 16 last year.

The CBI and CID have been submitting periodical progress reports to HC.

The CBI had said it was probing the role of right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha in the murder of Dabholkar.