Narendra Dabholkar murder case: CBI looks to surgeon Nidhi Tawde's wife to join the dots

Surgeon Nidhi Tawde and her 13-year-old daughter returned from England to Mumbai on Sunday; CBI officers will meet her today to know more about her husband, Virendra Tawde

The Central Bureau of Investigation will on Monday meet Nidhi Tawde, the wife of ENT surgeon Dr Virendrasinh Tawde, accused in the murder of rationalist and anti-superstition crusader Narendra Dabholkar. Nidhi, who is also a surgeon, and her daughter, 13, were holidaying in England and returned to Mumbai on Sunday.

Narendra Dabholkar

Two unidentified men on a motorcycle shot dead Dabholkar at the Omkareshwar Bridge in Pune on August 20, 2013 when he was on his morning walk. On June 10, the CBI arrested Dr Tawde, a volunteer and sadak of the Sanatan Sanstha, accusing him of being the architect of the murder plan. The CBI claimed Dr Tawde was also involved in the murders of CPI Leader Govind Pansare and writer MM Kulburgi.

“I am not in a position to speak on any issue and I will have to consult my lawyers,” Nidhi told mid-day on Sunday.
A CBI source told mid-day that officers have been in touch with Nidhi and will speak to her on Monday to find out if she can help them with more information about her husband.

“We were waiting for her to return,” said the source. “During the course of our investigation we came to know from relatives and mutual friends that Dr Nidhi is living separately with her daughter. Once Dr Tawde was brainwashed by the Sanstha, Dr Nidhi struggled in supporting herself and the daughter. A year ago, she moved to Mumbai with her daughter who is in the
Std VIII. We think she can help us join a few dots in our investigation.”

Also on Monday, the CBI will produce Dr Tawde before a Pune court for his remand hearing. The CBI has said Dr Tawde and fellow mastermind Sarang Akolkar, who is on the run, were both involved in the 2009 Goa blasts also. Investigators said the two underwent arms and ammunition training in Sangli, Goa and Pune between 2010 and 2012.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!