Day later,cops clueless about shooters

The police are investigating various theories behind Dey’s murder. According to Crime Branch officers,Dey’s mobile phone — which was in the front pocket of his shirt — was damaged by a bullet,but the SIM card is intact. “Although the screen and the phone were completely damaged due to the bullet shot,we extracted the SIM card and sent it to experts to extract the data. On Sunday,we received the details of his call logs and messages and are analysing them,” the source said.

The Crime Branch has also taken Dey’s laptop and other cellphones for investigation. Though several special teams have been formed,nothing concrete has been established yet.

There are several theories on which the police are working,including a series of reports written by Dey on the oil mafia in the city and how the illicit trade is operated and controlled,a recent alleged involvement of a senior police officer in the arrest of a journalist and a possible underworld hit. The police have also got the recordings of the CCTV camera installed on the gate of the building where the firing took place. “We have the recordings but they are not clear enough to identify the shooters or ascertain the exact sequence of events,” said a Crime Branch officer.

Police sources said it is possible that local goons were given a contract to kill Dey. “The manner in which the motorcycle-borne shooters carried out the firing and fled before being caught or noticed by people suggests they were well aware of the locality and had planned how to flee once the job was done. We are making enquiries with the local criminal elements and the informers,” said an officer,requesting anonymity.

When asked about the ballistics report to confirm the make of the weapon used and other details,DCP (Crime Branch) Nissar Tamboli said they are awaiting reports. “We are working on some leads,” he said.

The post-mortem reports of Dey revealed that five bullets were pumped into his body from a close range. Of the five,four hit Dey in the left side of the chest and one pierced his shoulder.