In a major incident, Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested former Shiv Sena party member Shrikant Pangarkar (ex corporator of the Jalna Municipal Corporation,) in an alleged involvement in ‘harbouring and funding’ men accused of conspiring terror attacks in Maharashtra.
During a press release, ATS confirmed terror charges being pressed against Pangarkar under Sections 16, 18, 20 of Unlawful Activities Prevention (UAPA) Act.
Press release further states, “During further investigation of ATS police station C.R. No. 11/2018 u/s 4,5 Explosive Substances Act r/w 9-B Explosives Act r/w 120 (B) IPC r/w 16,18,20 UAPA Act, etc- a male accused person aged about 40 yrs r/o Jalna is arrested today evening.”
Pangarkar is arrested on August 19 after interrogation of three persons named Sharad Kalaskar, Vaibhav Raut and Sudhanwa Gondhalekar. He was produced in court on August 20 and has been sent to police custody till August 28.
ATS said that the questioning of Kalaskar, Raut, and Gondhalekar revealed a larger conspiracy and it was found that the three people, along with Pangarkar, were planning terror activities in Mumbai, Nala Sopara, Thane, Pune, Satara and Solapur districts of Maharashtra.
In another case, while interrogating Sachin Andure, CBI got hints of Pangarkar’s alleged role in the killing of Dabholkar, the rationalist.
On the ATS revelations, top leadership is maintaining silence.
Party’s local leader from Jalna, Bhaskar Ambikakar reportedly said, “Shrikant Pangarkar was working with me in the organization for past 25-30 years. He was a good organizational convenor and communicator. I don’t think he can be involved in any act of violence. But this is all matter of investigation by the police.”
