Sheena Bora murder probe: ‘To avoid doubt’, Maharashtra govt gives case to CBI

Indrani, along with her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna and former driver Shyam Rai, was arrested in the last week of August in connection with Sheena’s murder.

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“This isn’t only a murder case. There are other intricate matters and complications. Some economic issues have also surfaced There are some reports that suggest current CP (commissioner of police) also is known to the Mukerjeas and so, to avoid any doubts in the minds of the public, we are transferring the case. This is also to avoid interference,” said Bakshi.

The senior bureaucrat said the government wanted to send out the message that it had “no intention” of interfering with the investigation. “Therefore, this decision has been taken. It is the prerogative of government of India to accept our request or reject it,” he said.

Bakshi added that the Home department had sought the status report on the case from Director General of Police Sanjeev Dayal earlier this week. After it was received Friday afternoon, they studied all aspects related to the case and took a decision, he said.

“We were asked for a status report on the case, and were also made aware of the fact that transferring investigation of the case was being discussed. We sent the status report and also informed the government that we had no problems with the case being transferred to any other agency. Another aspect that was discussed was that the CBI will be better equipped to look into the financial aspects of the case,” said a senior Mumbai Police official.

Javed declined to comment on his reported association with the Mukerjeas. On the state government’s decision to transfer the case, Javed said, “I think the ACS has more than adequately covered all aspects of this in his statement. I will only add that the move will be good for transparency, and for investigating all aspects of the case.”

Bakshi also reiterated that transfer of former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria, now Director General of Police, Home Guards and Civil Defence, was not linked to the Sheena Bora case. However, he did express surprise at the manner in which Maria had personally visited the police station during interrogation of the accused. “For the state, there is nothing like high and low profile cases,” he said.

Bakshi denied reports that Maria has refused to probe the case after his transfer. He also also refused to comment on Javed knowing the Mukerjeas socially.

“Maria had never informed or discussed with the Home department his decision not to pursue the case. Even the present police commissioner has given his consent for case transfer to CBI. We discussed the matter and he did not have any objection to our decision,” Bakshi said.