Maharashtra journalist’s murder: Days after SIT formed, suspect sent to 14-day judicial custody

The accused in the case of Maharashtra journalist Shashikant Warishe’s murder  has been sent to 14-day judicial custody by a court in Ratnagiri, PTI reported. This comes days after an 11-member SIT was formed to probe the murder following directions from Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Pandharinath Amberkar, a property dealer with a criminal record, was produced before a court on Thursday after his five-day police custody came to an end. The police sought an extension of custody to probe various angles.

Warishe had died on February 7, a day after he was mowed down by an SUV driven by Amberkar. The incident took place hours after the journalist wrote a series of reports on a controversial refinery project, which faced local resistance and Amberkar allegedly lobbied for. His last report had pointed to Amberkar’s political connections. 

Warishe’s reports had consistently focussed on protests by farmers and locals in the Konkan region against the proposed Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals project. 

As per an official, preliminary investigation had suggested that the crime was not pre-planned and was committed in a fit of rage. Amberkar’s bank account and mobile details were being examined to see if he had spoken to anyone before committing the crime. 

Ratnagiri SP Dhanajay Kulkarni earlier said that the SIT will be headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sadashiv Waghmare.