Narendra Dabholkar murder trial can be concluded in 2 months, if expedited: CBI to Bombay High Court

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that the trial in case concerning the murder of activist Narendra Dabholkar could be concluded in two months, if it is expedited. .The submission was made in response to a plea by prime accused, Virendrasinh Tawade, who has sought bail in view of delay in concluding the trial. .Advocate Sandesh Patil, appearing for the CBI, told the Court that out of 32 witnesses, about 8 witnesses remain to be examined. He added that this should not take a long time and that the trial could conclude soon..On a specific query by the Court, Patil also informed that there were no hostile witnesses and that the witnesses deposing in line with their statements in the chargesheet. .Appearing for Tawade, advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar highlighted that Tawade had been in prison for the past 7 years while the trial showed no signs of concluding anytime soon.In view of the CBI's submission that the trial could conclude in 2 months' time, the High Court today asked Ichalkaranjikar,"If they are willing to make a statement that they will finish trial in 2 months, will you accept?".Ichalkaranjikar, however, expressed his 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 add witnesses above those mentioned in the list ... I can show the compilation of statement of witnesses that have been examined and the chargesheet. That will show the court why I deserve to be released on bail. My only apprehension is, it may be deemed as a mini trial."The Court, in turn, allowed Ichalkaranjikar to file the necessary documents and posted the matter for further hearing after 2 weeks. .The Court was hearing appeal filed by Virendrasinh Tawade, the prime accused in the Narendra Dabholkar murder and conspiracy case. Tawade had moved the Court challenging the rejection of his bail plea by a Pune sessions court.Narendra Dabholkar was the founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), an organisation working towards the eradication of superstitious activities. He was shot dead by two assailants during a morning walk in Pune in 2013.Tawade was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case and was charged with offences under Sections 302 (murder) read with Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.Additionally, he was charged with offences under Section 16 (terrorist act) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and provisions of the Arms Act.Two chargesheets were filed in the case. Tawade's plea for bail was rejected thrice by a Pune Court. The third application was rejected in 2020. Aggrieved by the order, Tawade moved the High Court in appeal through advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar.