Hema’s kin to oppose transfer of probe

Families of the deceased artist Hema Upadhyay and her lawyer Haresh Bhambani are going to file a writ petition in Bombay high court on June 6, to oppose the transfer of the double murder investigation to Ghatkopar crime branch. Earlier, on May 18 this year, the case was transferred to Ghatkopar crime branch following the order of commissioner of police. Initially, Kandivali police station was investigating the case after Hema and Haresh’s bodies were found on December 11.

The families of the artist and lawyer, during a press briefing on Thursday, alleged that the step was taken to save Chintan, one of the prime accused of the double murder case and Hema’s estranged husband. Advocate Vinod Gangwal, lawyer of Hema’s family while talking to the media on Thursday said, “Why all of a sudden the case was transferred to the crime branch when the Kandivali police was probing it well and their respective families were satisfied with the investigation ”

At the event, Mr Gangwal also said that Sanchu Menon, a family friend, has written a letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in connection with the matter.

In the letter (to which The Asian Age has an access) Mr Menon wrote that the transfer was for oblique motives.

According to Mr Menon, even the court was happy with the investigation, as it had rejected Chintan’s bail plea.

Mr Gangwal also mentioned that no specific reason was cited for the transfer, except for a two-line order mentioning the transfer of the case.

He claimed that the order should have been supported with a legitimate reason. Otherwise, in such case, the transfer could have only been possible had the families complained about the investigation or the court found any discrepancy. He also questioned the legitimacy of the commissioner’s decision. “I fear that it was set up and influence was involved,” he added.

At the press meet, Mr Gangwal also stated that they had written almost 30 to 40 mails to the CP and CM but got no reply.