Clues found in diaries seized from one of the accused.

Documents seized from Samir Gaikwad — an accused under arrest in connection with the > murder of social activist Govind Pansare — indicate a link to the > murders of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and noted scholar > M.M. Kalburgi.

Investigating agencies working on these murder cases have found several mobile numbers in the diaries seized from Mr. Gaikwad, say sources in investigating teams.

Mr. Gaikwad is a full-time member of extreme right wing Hindu organisation, Sanatan Sanstha, which has its headquarters in Goa’s Ramnathi village.

A critical link?

Maharashtra Police find mobile numbers from diaries of an accused in the Kalburgi murder case.

* Samir Gaikwad is a full-time member of right wing outfit Sanatan Sanstha * Several numbers in Gaikwad's diaries had been purchased at once and were in a serial order. * CBI probing Dabholkar murder case, while Karnataka police investigating Kalburgi's case. * Police are looking out for close links between the three killings through the cell numbers.

In the past, a few of its members were found involved in three blasts — at Thane and Vashi in Maharashtra and Madgaon in Goa.

“We have shared all information. Mr. Gaikwad had noted down many mobile numbers in his diaries, which we traced. Many of the numbers were already on our radar and we are working on it,” an officer told The Hindu.

This hints at the possible connection between all three murders, he added.

The Dabholkar murder case is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, while the Karnataka police are investigating the murder of Kalburgi.

A Special Investigation Team of the Maharashtra police, which arrested Mr. Gaikwad, is assigned to the Pansare case. Investigators have reached Kolhapur where Mr. Gaikwad is lodged.

The officer said that several mobile numbers found in the diaries were purchased together and in serial order.

“It is likely that the users of these numbers had close groups. The numbers could have been exchanged between group members ensuring different cell tower locations for that particular number. This makes it difficult to pinpoint a particular person.”

Search narrowed



The investigator said the mobile numbers are crucial clues as much time has passed after the crime.

“The evidence has helped us to narrow down the scope of investigation and now we are concentrating on specific persons,” he said.