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Journalism of Courage
May 3: The chief steward of Copper Chimney at Saki Naka was shot dead by two unidentified men in the hotel’s compound at around 5.30 pm on Sunday.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (North-West) Satyapal Singh, the two men entered the restaurant at 5.15 pm and asked to be served. One of the stewards politely told them that the restaurant opens only after 7 pm and they would be served after that. The men grew angry and began yelling at the steward, creating an ugly scene inside.
The chief steward, Keith Rodrigues, intervened and tried to pacify the duo. But despite his best efforts, they remained unconvinced. Finally, Rodrigues asked them to leave. The men were further enraged and left in a huff.
At around 5.35 pm, the men returned and accosted Rodrigues. Even before Rodrigues could react, both of them shot him at point blank range, firing five bullets at him.
As the chief steward slumped to the ground, the men vanished. A bleeding Rodrigues was rushed to Rajawadi Hospital at Ghatkopar,where he succumbed to his injuries at 6.14 pm. He had sustained bullet injuries in his chest, neck, ribs and shoulder.
A resident of Malad, 25-year-old, Rodrigues was only recently employed by the hotel and was regarded as good at his job.
Since the restaurant opens only after 7 pm, few were present at the time of the shooting. "Nothing can be said at this stage. The motive of the killing is not known yet. It appears to be a fallout of immediate provocation," Singh said.
Rodrigues’ killing is the 91st murder this year and the 23rd incident where firearms have been used.
