Pratyusha's parents demand CBI probe; flay Mumbai police

Jamshedpur: Parents of television actor Pratyusha Banerjee, who died in April, today said they will launch a signature campaign in her home town Jamshedpur to garner support for a CBI probe into her "pre-planned cold-blooded murder".

Alleging tardy pace of investigation by Mumbai police into the actor's death, Shankar Banerjee and Soma Banerjee said, "We demand a CBI probe into Pratyusha's murder to unearth the truth. Who are behind Pratyusha's boyfriend, Rahul Raj, who was booked for abetment of suicide and criminal intimidation in connection with her death? How come he is roaming scot-free as if he is the son-in-law of the police despite being an accused in the Pratyusha's murder?".

We want justice and demand a capital punishment for Rahul, they said, announcing that they will launch a signature campaign to garner support for CBI probe into the matter. The campaign will take place at Bata Chowk in Sakchi
market from 5 pm to 8 PM, they said. Tomorrow's campaign is preceded by an online campaign today where around 700 people have already shown their support for a CBI probe.

"We will also meet Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and the Chairperson of Women Commission in Ranchi day after tomorrow in support of the demand," they said.

The parents alleged that Pratyusha was not allowed to maintain any relationship with her parents by the accused and was being administered drug by him and was under its influence.

Demanding for a custodial interrogation of Rahul by the police, they said while police have been arresting persons for committing lesser crimes against woman, Rahul was not yet arrested in the case of Pratyusha, who was "murdered" cruelly.

About Rahul's mother allegedly not facing media, they also charged that Rahul's parents particularly his mother was either totally involved in Pratyusha's death or else she was well aware about Rahul's character.

"He (Rahul) has cheated and looted nine girls," the actor's father said stating that they are gathering evidences against Rahul and succeeded to some extent.

On April 1, the 24-year-old actress, who shot to fame for her role of Anandi in the hit TV series "Balika Vadhu", allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself inside her flat at Goregoan area of western suburbs.

Police are trying to ascertain whether Pratyusha was in financial trouble or had any dispute with Rahul.