Govind Pansare murder: Fresh sketches of accused released

Cops investigating the murder of Govind Pansare have released three sketches of the two suspects who likely shot the veteran CPI leader while he was on a morning walk with his wife in Kolhapur on February 16.

After the brazen attack on Pansare in Sagar Mala locality, Pansare was eventually moved to Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries five days later. At the time, the police had managed to get hold of CCTV footage from the area but it had to be sent to London to enhance for quality since the images were grainy. Now, based on the enhanced footage, as well as with inputs from Pansare's wife, Uma, the Special Investigation Team has released fresh sketches in the hope of getting leads. In the nearly four months since the crime, the police remain clueless about the identities of the bike-borne murderers.

"The enhanced footage that was sent back from London has given us much more clarity on the images of the accused. The statement of Uma Pansare too has given us more clarity on the description of the wanted accused," said a source privy to the investigation. The probe team believes that a few suspects could have fled to Karnataka or Goa after firing on Pansare.

"Pansare's wife had helped us with the description earlier too, but as she was not in the position to recall everything then, we now requested her to give us fresh description on the basis of which the fresh sketches have been prepared."