Former Shiv Sena councillor arrested in Gauri Lankesh murder case

coastaldigest.com news network
September 18, 2018

Bengaluru, Sept 18: Srikant Pangarkar, a former Shiv Sena councillor of Jalna Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra, has become the 14th accused arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of journactivist Gauri Lankesh.

Investigators also suspect that Srikant was in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017, the day Gauri Lankesh was assassinated. He has been remanded into SIT custody till September 28.

In August, the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad — acting on intelligence provided by the SIT — had recovered a cache of arms in Nalasopara and arrested Pangarkar for his alleged links to the case. According to SIT sources, he was identified based on information from Amol Kale's diary in which he was referred to as ‘Praji’.

Kale, the suspected kingpin and one of the masterminds in the murder of Gauri, has also been arrested by the CBI in connection with the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar.

A senior SIT official said the other accused in the Gauri case had told the police that Srikant Pangarkar had attended a few of their meetings in Maharashtra, and in Belagavi. The meetings had allegedly been held to plot her assassination. “His exact role in the execution of the conspiracy will be known only after his interrogation,” an official said.

Amol Kale was constantly in touch with Srikant in the months before and after September 5, 2017 when Gauri was shot. “From July 2017 to May 2018, Amol Kale's Call Detail Record (CDR) shows the two had over 1,200 calls in a span of 10 months. That amounts to four calls per day on an average, indicating how involved Srikant was in the conspiracy,” an official said.

Investigations till now have revealed that Srikant, who held the post of councillor between 2001 and 2011, quit the Shiv Sena in 2011. He was one of the founding members of the unnamed organisation that allegedly planned and carried out hits on four rationalists and critics of hardline Hindutva. The Maharashtra ATS and CBI have told courts in Maharashtra that they suspect he was the main funder and the person who organised arms and ammunition for the gang.

According to the SIT probe, Srikant’s CDR showed that he often visited Sendhwa, a town in Madhya Pradesh near the Maharashtra border, a hub for country-made pistols.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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