Kalburgi murder case: CID grills Sanatan Sanstha activist Samir Gaikwad

BENGALURU: The CID sleuths probing the murder of rationalist and researcher Dr M.M. Kalburgi questioned Sanatan Sanstha activist Samir Gaikwad in Kolhapur on Tuesday. The CID team reportedly questioned him for more than three hours in connection with the case.

Gaikwad, who was arrested by the Special Investigation Team in Maharashtra probing the murder case of rationalist and CPI leader Govind Pansare, was questioned by the CID team as they suspect that he could be an accused in Dr Kalburgi’s murder.

The CID team, led by SP D.C. Rajappa, was camping in Kolhapur for the last three days and was exchanging information with the SIT officials about the cases. It got the permission to question Gaikwad on Tuesday morning and they grilled him for more than three hours, sources said.

CID DGP H.C. Kishore Chandra told Deccan Chronicle that the CID team had questioned Gaikwad, but declined to provide details. It is said that Gaikwad has provided information, but they have to be verified before taking the investigation forward. The DGP said that as of now the CID had no plans to apply for body warrant seeking Gaikwad’s custody.

Another CID team reportedly on Tuesday questioned three people, allegedly having links with right wing organisations in Vijayapura district, in connection with Dr Kalburgi’s murder, sources added.

Hunt on for Rudra Patil

Various CID teams are on the hunt for Rudra Patil, who is said to be the mastermind of Pansare murder case. “There are strong leads that Patil could be behind Dr Kalburgi’s murder as well and efforts are on trace him. A team has visited his hometown Sankeshwar in Belagavi district, but there are not much clues on his whereabouts as he is absconding. Central agencies are on the look out for him in the Goa blast in 2009. He is absconding since then and the NIA has also issued Red Corner Notice against him,” an official said.