Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Apr 21: After finding sharp shooter, Sanjay Mohite, guilty of murdering the then MLA Vasant Asnotikar, a court here awarded him life imprisonment and imposed fine of Rs 68,000.

Judge of the first additional district and sessions court, Shanataveerappa Shivappa, pronounced the judgement on Tuesday April 20.

Sanjay Mohite had been accused of murdering the then Joida MLA, Vasant Asnotikar, by firing at him opposite Daivajna Kalyana Mantap, Karwar, on February 19, 2000. Asnotikar was killed when he was speaking to friends after inspecting arrangements made at Daivajna Kalyana Mantap for the reception of his daughter. Out of the two who arrived there in a motorbike, Rajan alias Sanjay Kishen Mohite had fired at Asnotikar. Four of the bullets had pierced through his chest and side of the lungs. The pillion rider, identified as Omprakash alias Pakya alias Babu had died in an encounter executed by the Mumbai police later. Another accused in the case, Antony, too had been killed in an encounter.

Before the charge sheets were filed, two persons accused in the case were killed and Mohite surrendered to the Mumbai police. Sanjay already was sentenced for life term in murder cases he executed in Maharashtra. Dilip Naik, who hired Mohite to kill Asnotikar, died during the pendency of the case.

Public prosecutor, Sunanda Ishwarappa Madiwala, had placed arguments on behalf of the prosecution.