Congress demands CBI probe into Govind Pansare's death

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today demanded a CBI probe into the death of veteran Communist leader Govind Pansare.

Addressing a press conference here, MPCC President Manikrao Thakre said his party will join the Maharashtra bandh called by Communist parties tomorrow.

Prominent anti-toll protester Pansare was shot at along with wife Uma by unknown assailants in Kolhapur on February 16 while they were taking a morning walk.

He succumbed to the bullet injuries here last night. "Pansare's murder is an attempt to scuttle the progressive movement in the state. The murder of Narendra Dabholkar (anti-superstition activist who was killed in 2013) was borne out of fascist and communal thinking," he said.

Thakre said he had written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to provide protection to leaders of progressive social movements in the state.

"If attempts to glorify Nathuram Godse and kill Gandhian thoughts are not stopped immediately, society will have to pay a heavy price," Thakre said.

Hitting out at the chief minister, Thakre said when Fadnavis (who now holds Home portfolio) was in Opposition, he had sought resignation of the Home Minister after Narendra Dabholkar's murder.

"We would like to know what are his views now as the chief minister," he asked.

He also criticised Fadnavis for his reported comments that ideology should be countered through ideology.

"Which ideology does he support," Thakre asked. The Congress leader also lamented that Pansare's body was held up at Mumbai airport for more than an hour due to absence of protocol.

"This shows insensitiveness of the chief minister," he said.