Let crime branch probe Pratyusha case: Parents to CM

Soma and Shankar Banerjee allege that Bangur Nagar police is ‘giving a free hand to the accused to destroy evidence’

Two weeks after Pratyusha Banerjee committed suicide, the actor’s parents have written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asking for a murder probe into the case by the crime branch. Soma and Shankar Banerjee said that Bangur Nagar police is ‘giving a free hand to the accused to destroy evidence’.

Pratyusha Banerjee’s parents wrote a three-page letter to the CM, a copy of which was sent to the police commissioner’s office. (Hindustan Times)

The chief minister’s office received a three-page letter on Wednesday, a copy of which was also sent to the commissioner’s office. A copy of the letter is also available with Hindustan Times.

In the letter, Soma wrote, “Since we have recorded our statement, we have been telling the investigation officer that the death of our daughter is not simply a suicide, it is more than that. We suspect that she has been murdered by Rahul Raj Singh. But unfortunately our complaints are not being heard. Instead of investigating the matter on a serious note, the police station is giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence.”

Inspector Deepak Phatangare is the investigating officer in the suicide abetment case.

Read more Pratyusha Banerjee suicide: Who said what in the case

Banerjee’s father Shankar said, “We are expressing this doubt based on Singh’s actions so far. He is pretending to be ill and was in a hospital while applying for bail. What does this indicate? We are not alleging anything at this moment. We only suspect that our daughter was killed.” Soma has also written in the letter that Singh has been threatening them as well as the other witnesses.

When asked about the threats, Shankar said, “I would not like to say anything on this at this moment. We will interact with the media on Saturday and answer all the questions.”

Banerjee was found hanging in her Goregaon apartment on April 1. The police have registered a case of abetment of suicide and assault against Singh based on Soma’s complaint on April 5. Singh has been provided interim relief from arrest till April 18, where his anticipatory bail application will be heard.

Meanwhile, Singh was present at the Bangur Nagar police station for two hours on the second consecutive day, as directed by the High Court. He was questioned for two hours after which he returned to the hospital.

Singh, who continues to be admitted at Shree Sai Hospital for acute depression since April 3, said on Thursday, “I am feeling quite better now. I would speak to the media soon.”