Sheena Bora case: Arguments for framing charges on October 17

A special court here on Wednesday gave the CBI a last chance and granted time till October 17 to provide a copy of the statements, recorded by Khar police, to prime accused Indrani Mukerjea in Sheena Bora murder case. The court also informed all the concerned parties that even if the accused is not provided documents as requested, it would hear arguments for framing of charges on the next date.

The CBI court was scheduled to hear arguments for framing of charges in the case on Wednesday. However, Indrani’s lawyer Sudeep Pasbole informed the court that they are yet to receive the copy of the statements from the CBI in order to argue her case.

Responding to the statement, special public prosecutor Bharat Badami and advocate Kavita Patil informed the court that the investigating officer the statement copies could not be provided as the investigating officer was out of town. Mr Badami also requested the court to adjourn the hearing till October 15 when the Bombay high court would be hearing another accused Peter Mukerjea’s bail application.

Posting the matter for October 17, Judge H.S. Mahajan directed the CBI counsel to ensure that a copy of statements is provided to the applicant before that.

The trial in the case can commence only after the court frames charges against the accused.

Indrani, her husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea and former husband Sanjay Khanna have been accused of killing Sheena Bora (24), her daughter from earlier relationship, in April 2012. The trio had allegedly strangled Sheena in a car and disposed of the body in a forest in Raigad district. According to CBI’s chargesheet, the murder was the fallout of a financial dispute in the family.