Dabholkar Murder: CBI Questions Virendra Tawade’s Wife

Earlier, the SIT had arrested Sanatan activist Sameer Gaikwad in connection with Pansare’s murder

Virendra S Tawde being taken away after produced before the Sessions Court for alleged involvement in the 2013 murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. (Photo: IANS)

On Tuesday, Virendra Tawade’s wife, Nidhi Tawade, was quizzed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in connection with the killing of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar.

Tawade is a member of the conservative Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha, and was earlier arrested in the case. He was also questioned about the gunning down of leftist Govind Pansare.

Nidhi, who is not an accused in the case, was examined about details relating to alleged conspiracy to eliminate Dabholkar as the agency believes she may have been witness to developments when it was being hatched.

Sources said the agency will also ask her about cyber forensic evidence like emails and messages recovered from Tawade’s laptop which were sent to Sarang Akolkar, another suspect against whom a Red Corner Notice is pending in the 2009 Goa blasts.

Tawade’s arrest had come on the heels of his confession of attempting to procure arms and ammunition in the days before Dabholkar was shot dead.

The Hindustan Times report pointed out that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had managed to secure permission to take Tawade into custody.

The CBI had produced Tawade in the court as his five-day custody came to a close. It sought another four days’ custody, saying he was not cooperating and was trying to be “deceptive”.

The CBI and SIT have maintained that the same person could be responsible for the murder of both Dabholkar and Pansare.

Though Tawade’s statements have also implicated other Sanstha members, the Sanstha has consistently denied any involvement in the matter.

Earlier, the SIT had also arrested Sanatan activist Sameer Gaikwad in connection with Pansare’s murder. The CBI asked Scotland Yard to confirm if the same gun was used to shoot both Dabholkar and Pansare.

The state forensic laboratory had confirmed that the bullets that killed Dabholkar and Kalburgi were of the same calibre.

(With agency inputs)