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Caretaker booked for cheating retd IIT prof denied anticipatory bail

The caretaker, Nikita Naik, was booked by Powai police last month after it allegedly came to light that she, while working for the 82-year-old retired professor, had taken advantage of his losing eyesight and old age, to execute a gift deed of his flats in her name.

Police claimed that they suspect that a doctor too connived with the accused to admit the man to the home and this aspect needs further probe.

A sessions court has denied the anticipatory bail to a 34-year-old caretaker booked for allegedly cheating a retired IIT Bombay professor of Rs 6 crore, by usurping one-third share in four flats, cash and jewellery. In its order on June 24, the court observed that the gold ornaments and cash allegedly taken by the woman are yet to be recovered.

The caretaker, Nikita Naik, was booked by Powai police last month after it allegedly came to light that she, while working for the 82-year-old retired professor, who taught in the electrical engineering department, had taken advantage of his losing eyesight and old age, to execute a gift deed of his flats in her name.

After this, he was moved to an old age home in Vikhroli by the accused. Police claimed that they suspect that a doctor too connived with the accused to admit the man to the home and this aspect needs further probe.

In her plea, Naik pleaded innocence and claimed that the retired professor was well aware of signing the gift deed. She further said that her custodial interrogation was not needed. Police opposed the plea stating that the gift deed was signed by the retired professor thinking it was some legal and medical procedure compliance.

“After considering submissions and record prima facie, it appears that the complainant is blind. In this situation, the Gift Deed came to be executed later on. It is alleged that the applicant (Naik) by using the password took out all the gold ornaments and cash from the locker of the complainant. It is further revealed that, the complainant has two legal heirs. In this situation why he has executed Gift Deed or flat in the name of applicant this aspect also required to be investigated in detail. It is alleged that the medical certificate attached with the Gift Deed has been managed by the applicant… this aspect also needs to be investigated,” additional sessions judge KR Deshpande said in the order.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

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