Shakeel link — Crime Branch grills Salman over Chori…

Other questions to ascertain Rizvi’s links with the underworld and its influence on the producer elicited negative replies from Khan. His entry to the headquarters was as stunning as his getaway — stealthy and quick — to avoid the media. Khan’s driver almost injured an Indian Express photographer and three others while driving rashly inside the headquarters. A senior police officer ordered the Green BMW car to be parked outside the premises. This later proved to be a blessing in disguise for the actor to escape the media stationed at the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU).

Khan was ushered into the drab CIU cell on the first floor around 2.10 pm where he was being questioned by Assistant Commissioner of Police Shankar Kamble who was assisted by Senior Inspector A Tembkar. Earlier, he was lodged at the Crime Branch barracks with Shah, Abbas and Mustan. Khan’s entry caused a near stampede mostly among children from the nearby residential quarters who wanted a glimpse never mind the context. They waited for his exit. However, the long wait proved futile as Khan was allowed to slip away from a secret door which is usually not opened for a civilian.

Bharat Shah was released around 2.15pm after his finacial statements were recorded in parts. He told The Indian Express that he had invested Rs 12.7 crore in the film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. The diamond merchant declined that he had links with the underworld don Chhota Shakeel. Abbas and Mustan were allowed to go around 5pm. They said they were innocent and did not have links with the underworld.