Operation bullet: Docs in soup

Rita was brought to the nursing home by Irfan and an associate with a bullet lodged in her right arm on February 20. Apparently Irfan had managed to convince the unidentified doctors that the wound was caused by a sharp-ended iron rod.

The police however found it hard to buy the doctors8217; claims stating that there is a difference between a bullet wound and an incision caused by a sharp object. The doctors face charges of aiding a gangster8217;s accomplice and their statements have been recorded by the police. 8220;It is a serious offence to remove a bullet without informing the police,8221; according to a senior police officer.

Rita, a bar girl at Malad, was hit by the bullet when her paramour was teaching her how to cock a handgun while travelling in a taxi near Sion station on February 20. The 9 mm Tokarev Mauser went off accidentally with the bullet piercing her right hand. She was first taken to a dispensary at Kasaiwada in Kurla, where her wound was bandaged by a local doctor. Irfan with the aid of some associates then rushed her to the nursing home.

It was love at first sight when Irfan was introduced to Rita on February 4. He was just released on bail after five years in jail when they were introduced to each other by his accomplice Mohammed Rafiq in the bar.

As the romance blossomed, Irfan used Rita for carrying his weapons and avoid police during search operations and nakabandis carried out at regular intervals. He paid her Rs 5000 for her services, said an investigating officer. Shakeel reportedly paid Irfan Rs 30,000 towards medical expenses on Rita.

However, the romance could not last long. Irfan was re-arrested by a special squad on March 3 in connection the killing of Rajiv Kumar Bhola Prasad near Somani Industrial Estate at Goregaon on February 22 and injuring one Sayed Hussain Rizvi at Malvani two days later. While Rita was released on bail, Irfan was remanded to police custody.

According to Additional Commissioner of Police north west region Rakesh Maria, Irfan and his associate Aziz Ahmed Sayed killed Bhola Prasad after they were informed that Prasad knew about the duo8217;s involvement in gunning advocate Kishore Sutrale on February 16. 8220;They wanted to silence Prasad,8221; Maria added.

Meanwhile, the police are questioning Rita to find out if she was involved in any other crime.