Police investigations have revealed that Desai had spent some time at Shewale Towers between March and May 1997.

According to the police, Desai approached Vijay Baburao Shewale for a flat in Shewale Towers. Apparently, say police sources, Desai insisted on a flat on the fifth floor. He then used the premises to film the Ammunition Factory. He had paid a deposit of Rs 5000 before taking possession of the flat and paid a rent of Rs 800 per month.

According to the police, Desai had targeted Shewale Towers because of the view it offered of the various defence establishments in the area. Although police say that Desai couldn't have got much out of filming the area, intelligence officials believe that any information concerning the factory would be of a sensitive nature.

According to the owner of the building Vijay Baburao Shewale, Desai came to him with good references. ``He had a ration card and was introduced to us by Zia Chaman Shaikh, who works with the Ammunition Factory.''