Artists want transfer of Hema Upadhyay murder case

Mumbai: As many as 61 contemporary artists from different parts of the country have come together to write a letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting transfer of double murder investigation to crime department or any such independent agency.

The artists include National Award winning photographer-filmmaker, Rafeeq Ellias; Bangalore-based Lalit Kala Award winner, Sheela Gowda; Delhi-based National Award winner, Veer Munshi; Bangalore-based National Award winner, Pushpamala N.; Delhi-based Padma Shri awardee, Manu Parekh; Delhi-based Padma Bhushan awardee Arpita Singh and Delhi-based National Award winner, Paramjit Singh.

In their letter sent to the CM on Thursday, artists have sought an appointment with the CM and also appealed to him to direct concerned authorities to perform due diligence.

“The absence of direct or indirect evidence against Chintan Upadhyay after such an in-depth investigation and interrogation is reflected in remand notes submitted by the police to the court. In these circumstances, detaining Chintan for such a prolonged period of time in jail would not only create doubts about the integrity of investigation but also violate the principles of human rights of any accused,” the letter reads.

The letter claims that no panchnama was carried out while acquiring any of Chintan’s properties during the investigation. No receipt was issued by investigators to his friends from whom they acquired his sketch books, artworks, computer, travel kits, bags and suitcases.

The letter rubbishes claims of dispute between Chintan and his deceased artist-wife Hema over property issues saying that a draft had been made where Chintan had agreed to pay 50 per cent of sales proceeds or buy a new home for Hema to settle dispute over ownership of the couple’s flat. The artists have expressed their disappointment over arrest of Chintan and asked for a fresh inquiry.