Journalist Jigna Vora, accused in the J Dey murder case, wanted to interview underworld gangster Chhota Rajan for her newspaper, according to a witness statement furnished to the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court on Monday. Meanwhile, Ms. Vora's bail hearing was posted to May 2.
The identity of the witness, whose statement was recorded under Section 164 of Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) (pertaining to recording of confessions and statements), has been concealed.
The witness has stated that following the murder of gangster Farid Tanasha, a prominent television channel had interviewed Rajan. Ms. Vora wanted an interview as well.
The witness, who claims to know Tanasha and another accused, Paulson Joseph, has said he facilitated a meeting between Ms. Vora and Mr. Joseph.
He said Ms. Vora met Mr. Joseph, in his and another associate's presence in Vashi in May last year. Ms. Vora and Mr. Joseph reportedly exchanged contact numbers and discussed the possibility of a phone interview with Rajan. Another statement recorded under Section 164, purportedly by a staff member in Ms. Vora's newspaper, gave details about the leave she had taken from work.
Ms. Vora was presented in the court on Monday along with other accused members.
