Vora chargesheet likely tomorrow

The Mumbai Police's Crime Branch is expected to file a chargesheet against arrested journalist Jigna Vora by February 21 for her alleged role in the murder of journalist J Dey last June.

On December 3 last year, the Crime Branch had filed a chargesheet in the case under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against nine accused.

It also chargesheeted two wanted accused in the case, including gangster Chhota Rajan.

However, the initial chargesheet did not deal with Vora's alleged role as the Crime Branch said it was still being probed.

"A supplementary chargesheet will be filed in the case against Vora either on Monday or Tuesday. The chargesheet has been ready for some time and had been sent to the Mumbai Police Commissioner for clearance. However, we were waiting for some forensic reports before filing it," said a Crime Branch officer, who did not wish to be named.

In a setback, the Crime Branch is, however, yet to receive reports from the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory.

The police will rely on printouts of Vora's call data records to establish her connection with other accused.

"We have still not received the forensic reports on the contents of Vora's laptop and mobile phones. They will come later and can always be filed in the form of another supplementary chargesheet. We have enough evidence to nail Vora and will prove how professional rivalry had led to her involvement," said the officer.

According to sources, the chargesheet may include intercepts of telephone conversations between some of the accused that allegedly point to Vora's role in Dey's murder.

Dey was shot by four bike-borne men on June 11 last year.

According to the police, his assailants were paid Rs 5 lakh as part of the contract.

ALSO READ

Pawar to seek special package for state

Railway bribery case: Nephew rose from obscurity, worked behind the scenes

For AMU students, wearing sherwani no issue

Polls today, Cong pins hope on BSY