"I Shot him on his head and eye" Dabholkar's murder accused makes chilling revelations
NEW DELHI: The man accused of killing rationalist Narendra Dabholkar six years ago, has told the Karnataka police how he shot the 67-year-old twice -- once in the head from behind, and when he fell, once above the right eye. In a chilling 14-page confession, a copy of which was accessed by NDTV, Sharad Kalaskar also admitted to being linked to two other murders -- that of rationalist Govind Pansare and journalist Gauri Lankesh.
Sharad Kalaskar, who was arrested last year, has been charged with murder and conspiracy and has been in jail.
Several others have been accused in the murder of the activist -- the first of the three rationalists killed between 2013 and 2015. Dabholkar's murder in Pune, in August 2013, had been followed by the shooting of Govind Pansare in February 2015 and MM Kalburgi in Kolhapur in August the same year.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terror squad had arrested Sharad Kalaskar in connection with raids at a pistol manufacturing unit at Nallasopara in Palghar district. During questioning, they stumbled upon information that established a link between the murders of the rationalists and Gauri Lankesh and right-wing groups. This information was later shared with the Karnataka police.
Recounting the events leading to the murder in his confession, Sharad Kalaskar said he was contacted by some right-wing members, given a crash course in ideology, use of firearms and the process of making bombs.
He was told that he would have to commit the murder. "We have to finish off some evil men," he claimed to have been told by Virandra Tawde -- allegedly the main conspirator -- and brainwashed into committing the murders. Virendra Tawde has been arrested by the CBI and has been charged as well.
Sharad Kalaskar said Tawde told him to shoot Narendra Dabholkar in the head, so he died on the spot. He said he had carried out the instruction, intercepting Dr Dhabolkar as he was out on a morning walk.
In the confession, he said he pulled out his country-made pistol and shot Dabholkar in the head from behind. As Dabholkar fell on the bridge, he fired a second shot, but the bullet got stuck.
He then removed the bullet and shot Dabholkar's blood-stained body above the right eye. After that, Sachin Andure, the second shooter who accompanied him, also opened fire.
According to the confession, Virendra Tawde introduced him to Amol Kale, who has been arrested in the Gauri Lankesh murder case. Sharad Kalaskar said he attended several meetings where the plan to kill Gauri Lankesh was hatched.
"In August 2016, there was a meeting in Belgaum, where the names of people working against Hinduism were asked for. In that meeting, the name of Gauri Lankesh came up and the decision to murder her was taken,' he said in his confession.
A year later, in August 2017, there was another meeting where the plans were finalised and responsibilities were handed. Journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead a month later.
Sharad Kalaskar also revealed there was a plan to target retired Bombay High Court judge Justice BG Kolse Patil.
courtesy: ndtv.com
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Incidents of firing, intimidation reported from few places in Manipur, no injuries
Imphal, Apr 19: Incidents of intimidation and firing were reported from at least two places in Inner Manipur constituency where voting for the Lok Sabha polls is currently underway, officials said on Friday.
At Thamnapokpi under Moirang constituency in Bishnupur district, armed men fired several rounds in the air near a polling booth prompting voters to flee, police said on Friday, adding additional security personnel were rushed to the spot to contain the situation.
Unidentified armed men also intimidated election agents of a particular political party at different places and asked them to leave the polling stations, they said.
At Uripok and Iroishemba in Imphal West district, armed men asked agents of a party to leave the premises of polling stations, an official said.
"Incensed with the intimidation, voters at Iroishemba forcefully entered polling stations and destroyed elections materials and equipment," the official said.
At Kiyamgei in Imphal East district's Keirao constituency, armed men fired blank shots and intimidated Congress polling agents.
Earlier in the morning, at Khongman Zone 4 in Imphal East district, an altercation broke out between voters and unidentified men leading to damage of EVMs.
Meanwhile, several areas in Kuki-dominated assembly segments in Outer Manipur recorded a thin turnout till 1pm.
Saitu and Saikul constituencies in Kangpokpi district recorded a turnout of 13.22 per cent and 8.58 per cent, respectively, officials said.
Henglep in Churachandpur district recorded the highest turnout in all Kuki-dominated assembly segments with 49 per cent.
Churachandpur assembly segment on the other hand recorded 43.67 per cent turnout.
Chandel constituency, which has both Naga and Kuki voters, recorded a turnout of 68.63 per cent.
Meitei dominated assembly segments in Outer Manipur, however, recorded a slightly higher turnout than Kuki areas.
Khangabok in Thoubal district recorded 52.68 per cent voting, officials said.
Polling is underway in 15 assembly segments of the total 28 constituencies of Outer Manipur on Friday.
Inner Manipur Constituency
— Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) April 19, 2024
This is what has happened at the polling booth in Moirangkampu Sajeb in #Manipur. Miscreants came and opened firing. One 65 year old man injured and now hospitalised. All election papers burnt down. One evm machine destroyed and set ablaze. Locals say… pic.twitter.com/mpUKEYeCCm
