Sheena Bora murder: Indrani driver wants to turn approver

In an important development in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case, prime accused Indrani Mukerjea’s former driver Shyamvar Rai on Wednesday told the special CBI court that he wants to turn approver.

During the hearing, special CBI judge H.S. Mahajan asked Rai’s lawyer Shrinivas Bhave if he was aware what his client had written to the court and when he replied in the negative, the judge gave him a letter to read. The judge also asked him if he wanted to say anything regarding the letter. Advocate Bhave, however, said he did not wish to say anything and then the court proceeded further and asked Rai if he had written a letter from jail addressing the court. Rai confirmed that he sent the letter.

In any case, if an accused turns approver and gives a statement, under Section 164 of the CrPC, then his statement could be used as evidence during trial. This statement can be considered by the court at every stage of the trial, including while deciding the bail applications of other accused.

When the judge asked him why he had written the letter, Rai replied, “Sacchai jo hai is case ke baare me wo bolna hai (I want to tell the truth about the case).”

The judge further asked him how he knew the details of the case, to which he replied, “Main tha sir jahan par murder hua tha,” (I was present at the crime scene).

To another question he also said, “Sheena Bora ko gala daba kar maar dala tha (Sheena Bora was murdered by strangulation).”

He also said that he wanted to tell the truth now because of repentance.

After Rai confirmed that he wanted to give a statement voluntarily and not under duress, threat or instigation, assurance or any reward, the judge asked the CBI to file a reply on his application.

Following this, special public prosecutor Kavita Patil sought time to file a reply and the judge granted her time till May 17.