Hari Masjid case: CBI chargesheet a month overdue

“So far,only Mapkar’s statement has been recorded along with a video-recording of the spot. A few maps have also been drafted,” said an officer on the condition of anonymity.

The CBI is yet to gather all the papers,sources said.

According to Mapkar,he was offering Namaz at Hari Masjid,Wadala,on January 10,1993,when the cops led by Nikhil Kapse,opened fire. Kapse is now serving as senior inspector at Vakola police station. At the time of the firing he was a sub-inspector.

When contacted,CBI officials refused to reply. “We cannot divulge any information while the investigation is on,” said Harsh Bhal,Additional Director General (media),CBI.

The Srikrishna Commission Report had indicted Kapse,saying a group of 5-6 policemen headed by him had entered the Masjid premises and opened indiscriminate fire at people offering prayers.

Mapkar and six other men injured in the firing were then allegedly dragged to the R A K Marg police station. Only Mapkar survived and the other six died.

Kapse has been booked under Sections 302,307 and 324 of the IPC for murder,attempt to murder and grievous hurt. When asked as to why Kapse was not arrested even after being booked under serious charges,Bhal said,“We are yet to investigate his role. It’s a 16-year old case. It is difficult to dig out all information and establish Kapse’s role.”

The CBI had in February last said,while filing a reply to the writ filed before the Bombay High Court,that the investigation was simple and it should not be difficult for the agency to conclude the case in a short period using minimum resources. The CBI had said the chargesheet would be ready in 15 days.

Advocate Shakil Ahmed,who single-handedly took on the establishment and pursued the case for over a decade-and-a-half,said that many crucial eyewitnesses reside in the locality (near the Masjid) and tracking them would not be very difficult.

“If the investigators diligently follow the case,gathering testimonies wouldn’t be difficult. Also most of these witness statements are already been recorded (earlier),CBI just needs to bring it on record,” said Ahmed.