Chintan Upadhyay could be behind probe transfer: Lawyer

Mumbai: Vinod Gangval, the lawyer of artist Hema Upadhyay, whose body was found stuffed in cardboard boxes in a sewer in December 2015, alleged on Tuesday that the main accused in the case — artist Chintan Upadhyay, her incarcerated husband — could have influenced the transfer of the case probe from Kandivali police to Unit 7 of the Mumbai crime branch.

When contacted, a crime branch officer, however, said, “The crime branch conducted an investigation from all angles based on the facts that were there with the unit. The details of the investigation were put up before the court.” Along with Hema, the body of her lawyer Harish Bhambani was also found stuffed in the cardboard boxes. One of the important accused in the case, Vidhyadhar Rajbhar, is still on the run and he is stated to be the crucial link in the conspiracy.

Mr Gangval said the transfer of the probe was an arbitrary decision to sabotage the investigation and also alleged that Chintan and others were influencing the investigation of the case.

“The families of victims were satisfied with the investigation that was being conducted by the Kandivali police, however, it was transferred to the crime branch and to Unit 7, which was arbitrary and unethical. The crime branch did not conduct any probe and not one fresh document (to the first chargesheet filed by Kandivali police) was added in the supplementary chargesheet by Unit 7,” said Mr Gangval.

Hema’s aunt and brother, Manish Hirani, were also present during the media interaction and they sought a speedy trial. “We request for a speedy trial and to expedite the case that is being heard by Dindoshi court. We want justice in the ongoing probe,” Mr Hirani said.

The lawyer has stated that he would approach the high court seeking redressal. “We would file a writ petition in coming week before the high court in this connection seeking clarity,” Mr Gangval said.