Govind Pansare murder: Marathi journalist Nikhil Wagle was also an alleged target?

Days after the arrest of Samir V. Gaikwad, a member of the Sanatan Sanstha Hindu in connection with the killing of senior Communist leader Govind Pansare, the accused has reportedly indicated that well known Marathi journalist Nikhil Wagle may have also been the alleged target of the groups suspected to be behind Pansare's murder, reported NDTV.

The report states, "according to police sources, Sameer Gaikwad, member of the Sanatan Sanstha, the extremist group suspected to be behind the killing of Mr Pansare is allegedly heard in phone conversations saying after Mr Pansare, Mr Wagle is the next target."

Wagle had hosted a television show on the anti-superstition bill in Maharashtra in 2011 and a member of the Sanathan Trust had walked out of it. Following the incident, he allegedly received several threats from the group. The journalist confirmed to NDTV that he has been offered police protection but has turned down the offer.  

Samir V. Gaikwad, 32, is a full-time activist with the Sanatan Sanstha Hindu, a right-wing group, since 1998.

He was arrested on Wednesday from Sangli town in connection with the February 20 killing of Govind Pansare.

Charged, among others, with murder and under the Arms Act, he was presented before a Kolhapur court and was remanded to one week's police custody till September 23.

Pansare was attacked on February 16 in Kolhapur when he was shot at from a close range. Pansare, 81, died of bullet injuries four days later. His wife Uma, who was also shot and seriously injured, survived the attack.