Have asked Nikam to prosecute: CM

Chavan was talking to the media when he also assured that the trial would take place in fast-track court. Meanwhile, he also informed that that the four accused who were absconding have also been arrested by Mumbai police on Saturday night. A female photojournalist who was on an assignment at Mahalaxmi was sexually assaulted by five people at Shakti Mills compound on August 22.

Pic/Krunal Gosavi

"A couple of days back I met the victim in the hospital and assured all financial and legal help to her. I also appealed Nikam to prosecute the case so that the culprits get the maximum possible punishment," said Chavan.

When MiD DAY contacted Nikam, he said, "Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and home minister RR Patil discussed this issue with me. Considering the seriousness of the case, I have consented to represent the victim in court."

Speaking about the delay in finding the killers of founder president of Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti Dr Narendra Dabholkar, Chavan said that as many as 19 investigative teams have already been sent to various parts of the state.

"It was a pre-planned murder and we are trying hard to trace the killers of Dr Dabholkar. It not only necessary to arrest the killers but also important to find the mastermind behind this incident," said Chavan. He added that he had already directed Mumbai police to help the probe team in the city.
Chavan said that utmost help would be provided to the inquest team to immediately resolve the case.

Clean chit to Cong MLA in land grab case
Issuing a clean chit to party legislator Vinayak Nimhan in Baner land grabbing case and allegedly assaulting a retired air force officer, Chavan said that he had gone through the entire matter on the basis of the information he had been given by Pune's police commissioner. It was nothing but a political conspiracy, he stated. "The disputed land is actually a property of the Nimhans, and it has been proved that the MLA had purchased the plot. So there is no question of trespassing," said Chavan. u00a0