Sheena Bora murder trial to begin next month

The special CBI court on Tuesday turned down yet another attempt by the accused to delay the commencement of Sheena Bora murder case trial and has now set the date as October 5, to frame the charges against three accused including former media baron Peter Mukerjea, his wife Indrani Mukerjea and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna.

Peter had on Tuesday moved an application asking the court to not begin the trial in the case as the investigation is still in progress. Peter’s lawyer Mihir Gheewala contended that the probe in the case is still on and hence charges should not be framed against the accused unless the CBI makes a statement that no new documents will be relied upon after framing of charges. 

Special CBI prosecutor Bharat Badami along with Kavita Patil, however, had objected to the application saying that the power to continue investigation cannot be taken away from the investigating agency. The advocates also pleaded that the agency will take few more months to finish their investigation as they are waiting for some important communication from couple of countries. 

The Special CBI judge H S Mahajan, after hearing both the sides, rejected Peter’s plea while saying, “Other two accused, Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, have been behind bars for more than a year now. Both the accused are ready and willing to argue the case. In such circumstances, it is not desirable to cause delay.” 

The court has now scheduled the hearing on October 5, when it is likely to frame the charges against the three accused and begin the trial in the case. The prosecution is expected to now open the case and argue on the charges. Meanwhile, the three accused were produced before the court and their judicial custody was extended .