Maharashtra government urges CBI to take over Sheena Bora murder case

Mumbai: In a surprise move, the Maharashtra government decided to request the CBI to take over the probe into the high-profile Sheena Bora murder case. Moving swiftly, it sent a request to the Union home ministry and is awaiting its decision. This was announced Friday by additional chief secretary (home) K.P. Bakshi.

This decision comes soon after the government abruptly transferred Rakesh Maria as Mumbai police commissioner and then, after an uproar, decided to let him continue with the investigation. “To end all misconceptions and to show the government has no intention of interfering in the probe, and to complete the probe impartially, the state government has decided to hand over the Sheena Bora murder case to the CBI,” Mr Bakshi declared.

It also appears the government has little faith in Mr Maria or new police commissioner Ahmed Javed, whose name was linked with Peter Mukerjea, sources said.

Replying to queries, Mr Bakshi said the decision to hand over the probe to the CBI was taken after a report from DGP Sanjeev Dayal. “The government has sought a detailed report from DGP and his observations on the investigation done so far. Mr Dayal in his report submitted on Friday afternoon recommended that the investigation be handed to the CBI,” the additional chief secretary for home said.

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He also added that it was not only a murder case. “This case also has a financial angle and considering that CBI is well-equipped to investigate all kinds of angles at the same time, the government took the decision,” he said.

Mr Bakshi further claimed that the investigation is almost completed and there were some loose ends to be tied up. “All the accused are in judicial custody and there is no need to make any further arrest immediately. Later if CBI takes over the case, it can take decisions according to the changing circumstances,” he said.

According to sources, the decision to hand over the probe to CBI came after both Mr Maria, who was upset with his transfer and Mr Javed showed no interest in taking up the investigation. Mr Maria is said to be promoted as DGP (home guards) after the “over-enthusiasm” shown by him in investigating the case.

 When asked about the same, Mr Bakshi said that Mr Maria had not conveyed that he did not want to take up the investigation.

However, admitted that Mr Javed himself recommended that the probe be handed to the CBI. “He (Ahmed Javed) spoke to me on phone saying that there were certain things floating around about him having spoken to main accused Indrani Mukerjea’s husband Peter some time ago and hence it would be better if the case was given to the CBI,” the additional chief secretary for home said.

He also confirmed that even chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had recommended the CBI transfer.

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