Mumbai: Indrani and Peter Mukerjea’s driver Shyamwar Rai, who has turned approver in the Sheena Bora murder case, told the court on Monday that Indrani had not promised him any money, nor did he tell the police about any need for money.
Advocate Sudeep Pasbola, appearing for Indrani, asked Mr. Rai if he had asked any money from Indrani, and if she had refused to help him. To this, Mr. Rai said, “ Aisi koi baat nahin hui (There was never a conversation like this).” He also said that he had not told the Khar police about any need for money.
This brought into picture Mr. Rai’s statement under Section 161 (examination of witnesses by police) of the Criminal Procedure Code given to the investigating officer at the Khar police station.
Mr. Pasbola alleged that Mr. Rai in his statement before the Khar police had spoken about his demand for money, and sought permission from the court to confront Mr. Rai with his statement given to the police.
When the court allowed his plea, the court staff could not find Mr. Rai’s statement recorded by the Khar police. The prosecution realised later that the original statement was not submitted before the court.
The advocate then grilled Mr. Rai on how he reached Carter Road on the day of his arrest taking into consideration that Mr. Rai stayed at Santa Cruz (East). To Mr. Pasbola’s questions like how he had travelled to Carter Road or which bridge he took to cross over to Khar (West) or what time he left, Mr. Rai either said, ‘I do not remember’ or ‘I don’t know’.
The advocate then questioned Mr. Rai on the weapon and ammunition he was carrying on the day of his arrest. Mr. Rai was asked where he wanted to go that day to which he said that he was going to throw the weapon in the bushes near Carter Road. When questioned if he deliberately chose the evening time, Mr. Rai replied in the negative and said, ‘Meri iccha hui (I felt like it).’
Mr. Rai laughed when Mr. Pasbola questioned him about the traffic on Carter Road. Mr. Rai said, “There is traffic; you know it better.’
“After the crossing, you passed the additional commissioner’s office and then you were caught while going towards Khar,” asked Mr. Pasbola.
Mr. Rai said he did not remember.
On the weapon he was carrying, Mr. Rai said he had a plastic bag in hand, but he did not remember if the gun was loaded or the bullets were kept separately. He also said that he had never counted the bullets, and that he did not know if there were any marking on the pistol.
When Mr. Pasbola asked if he had kept the gun and bullets in full public view, Mr. Rai said the weapon was packed in a piece of paper and was tied with a rope.
Mr. Rai will be further examined on August 11.
