Unconfirmed reports said here on Wednesday that the police had detained at least two persons in connection with the killing of senior journalist Jyotirmoy Dey. But police officials have refuted the reports.
Asked whether anyone was arrested or detained, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nisar Tamboli answered in the negative.
Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil, too, refused to comment on the reports.
Some people questioned
Senior police officers said the police were questioning a few people. “We have received certain vital clues,” a senior police officer told The Hindu, but said there was no detention or arrest.
Unconfirmed reports said at least two persons, Anwar Sheikh and Iqbal Hatela alias Mateen, were detained by the Mumbai police. They are alleged to be contract killers for Chhota Shakeel. Reports also said the killing was ordered by Jafar Kasim from Dubai. He is believed to be an important member of the Chhota Shakeel gang.
However, Chhota Shakeel called up a private news channel here on Wednesday and said he was not involved in the killing.
Meanwhile, reports have said the police have seized a white Maruti Zen car which was used during the killing. Reports said some people followed Jyotirmoy Dey in that car and witnessed the killing.
Jyotirmoy Dey was shot dead by four unknown assailants here on June 11.
The post-mortem report said five bullets were pumped into him. While four bullets exited the body, one stayed in. Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said he lost his life owing to his professional duties and not because of any personal enmity.
