The CBI informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that the trial in the murder case of activist Narendra Dabholkar could be completed in two months, if it is expedited.
The submission was made in response to a plea by Virendrasinh Tawade, the main accused, who has sought bail in view of delay in concluding the trial.
Advocate Sandesh Patil, appearing for the CBI, informed the Court that approximately 8 witnesses remain to be examined out of 32 total. He added that this should not take long and that the trial could conclude soon.
In response to a specific question from the Court, Patil stated that there were no hostile witnesses and that the witnesses were deposing in accordance with their statements in the chargesheet.
Appearing for Tawade, Advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, stated that Tawade had been in prison for 7 years and that the trial was not expected to end anytime soon.
In light of the CBI’s submission that the trial could be completed in two months, the High Court asked Ichalkaranjikar today, “If they are willing to make a statement that they will finish the trial in two months, will you accept?”
Ichalkaranjikar, on the other hand, expressed reservations about the CBI’s submissions. “No, that statement is unacceptable to me”, Ichalkaranjikar said, adding, “I have been behind bars for the last 7 years. They include witnesses in addition to those on the list. I have a compilation of witness statements and the chargesheet that I can show you. That will demonstrate to the court why I am deserving of bail. My only concern is that it may be regarded as a mini-trial.”
In turn, the Court allowed Ichalkaranjikar to file the necessary documents and scheduled a hearing for 2 weeks later.
The Court was hearing an appeal filed by Virendrasinh Tawade, the prime accused in the murder and conspiracy case against Narendra Dabholkar. Tawade had moved the Court challenging the rejection of his bail plea by a Pune Sessions Court.
Narendra Dabholkar founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), an organisation dedicated to the abolition of superstitious practises. In 2013, he was shot dead by two assailants while out for a morning walk in Pune.
Tawade was arrested in the case by the CBI and charged with offences under Sections 302 (murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. He was also charged with violating Section 16 (terrorist act) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and provisions of the Arms Act.
In the case, two chargesheets were filed. Tawade’s bail application was denied three times by a Pune court. In 2020, the third application was denied. Tawade, who was dissatisfied with the order, filed an appeal with the High Court through advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar.
