CBI for 3rd opinion on weapon used in rationalists' murder

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is considering going for a third opinion on the weapon used in the murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi and activist Govind Pansare, after Bangalore and Mumbai forensic labs differed on the issue, the agency told the Bombay high court on Monday.

While the Bangalore forensic science laboratory (FSL) opined that different weapons were used in the murders, the Kalina FSL in Mumbai opined that the weapon used in all three cases were the same.

Counsel Anil Singh, appearing for the CBI (which is probing the Dabholkar murder), told a Division Bench that the agency was considering seeking a third opinion on the ballistic reports from experts in Scotland. Singh said this would take at least two months.

The CBI and the state CID, which are probing the Pansare murder case, also submitted their reports before the court. The Bench said the investigation is at a crucial stage and both the agencies are making sincere efforts.