Mumbai: Declared hostile for failing to recall details earlier mentioned in his purported statement given to the police, witness 102, Radhekumar Yadav, a 42-year-old caterer, subsequently recounted his experience as a panch witness during the investigation into the murder of Sheena Bora. Yadav deposed that a cop, another male, two male constables, and one female constable, along with a woman who he was told was Indrani Mukerjea, proceeded in a police vehicle to various locations. Yadav took Indrani’s name only during his cross-examination by the prosecution.
The witness recalled visiting several places, including a location near Worli naka where the woman, Indrani, said she rented a vehicle, visited a footwear showroom, and a saree shop. He also mentioned a stop near Pali Hill where a panchnama was prepared. Yadav admitted to signing the panchnama but had limited recollection of the specific details of each location or what was recorded.
During his cross-examination by Indrani’s lawyer, Ranjeet Sangle, Yadav stated, “I have acted as a panch in other matters for police. It is correct to say that, whenever police asked me to act as a panch, I always go and help them by acting as a panch… I do not remember whether as per the provisions of the law, the face of that lady was covered during the entire panchnama. It is not correct to say that today I deposed under the pressure of CBI and Khar police station…”
As per CBI, Indrani, Sanjeev Khanna, Peter Mukerjea—who was still married to her in 2015—and their driver Shyamvar Rai planned to abduct and murder her daughter Sheena and attempt to murder her son Mekhail Bora. It said on Apr 24, 2012, Indrani, Khanna, and Rai abducted Sheena in a car, sedated and strangled her, and disposed of the body in a forest in Raigad.The alleged crime came to light in Aug 2015 after Rai’s arrest in another case. He later turned approver. All accused are out on bail.
