India, Jan. 8 -- A Panvel sessions court on Tuesday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Sudhakar Ghare, Raigad district president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), and Bharat Ragho Bhagat in the murder case of Mangesh Kalokhe at Khopoli.

Additional Sessions Judge S.R. Chavan said custodial interrogation of both accused was essential in view of the seriousness of the crime, its impact on society and the need for a fair and effective investigation.

According to the police, the incident occurred when Kalokhe, the husband of a newly elected Khopoli municipal councillor, was returning home around 7 am when a group of assailants chased him, forced him to the ground and attacked him with swords, sickles and an axe, kill...