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I grabbed the gun before Parab fired again, recalls cop
Sub-inspector Rauf Sheikh and two constables had escorted Hansraj Shah into the Andheri court, reports J Dey.
It was around 11.30 am on June 6, 1984, when then sub-inspector Rauf Sheikh and two constables escorted Hansraj Shah into the Andheri court.
Hansraj was the sole witness in the murder of his elder brother Nanji Shah. Gangster Ashok Joshi, who killed Nanji, wanted Hansraj eliminated. The killing of the key witness would have helped in the acquittal of Joshi, who was lodged at Thane central prison at the time on charge of murdering Nanji.
Joshi, a former lieutenant of gangster-turned-legislator Arun Gawli, had met Anil Parab in the Thane jail six days before and promised to pay him Rs 25,000 besides allotting him a shop if he managed to kill Hansraj.
In view of the sensitive nature of the case, then Commissioner of Police Julio Rebeiro had ordered special protection for Hansraj. Sheikh was given the special task.
Recalling the day’s events, Sheikh said, “We were waiting in the public prosecutor’s room in the court. I was praying since it was Ramzan.”
“Hansraj told me ‘kya sahab, bahut prayers kar rahe ho’ (you are engrossed in prayers these days).”
Sheikh told him, “Prayers are needed when we have to protect high-profile target like you.”
Around 1.35 pm, Hansraj was escorted into the courtroom. Sheikh said he had expected to see some known criminals near the court premises as it is a common way of pressuring witnesses to withdraw a case.
Giving an account, Sheikh described how he was on Hansraj’s right while another constable stood on his left.
Accused Joshi was standing in the dock, said Sheikh.
“I noticed a diminutive man clad in khaki like an auto driver talking to a lawyer barely 10 feet from Hansraj."
“It is not uncommon for clients to approach advocates inside the courtroom,” explained Sheikh.
The magistrate had adjourned the hearing. Everyone was busy checking the next date of the hearing on the large calendar hanging on the court wall.
“Suddenly there was a gunshot. I saw blood oozing out of Hansraj’s shoulder. Parab had closed in and was about 5 feet from the target,” Shaikh recounted.
“Saab mar gaya (officer I am dead),” the injured Hansraj told Sheikh.
“I jumped at Parab and grabbed the gun as he about to fire the second round at Hansraj,” he said.
A policeman then fired at Parab. Sheikh was also injured. Parab recovered from injuries and jumped bail.
Hansraj was killed a few months later by Joshi’s gang.
Email j.dey@hindustantimes.com
