Indrani’s driver pardoned, turns approver

MUMBAI: A special CBI court on Monday granted pardon to Indrani Mukerjea’s driver Shyamvar Rai’s in the Sheena Bora murder case on the condition that he should reveal

MUMBAI: A special CBI court on Monday granted pardon to Indrani Mukerjea’s driver Shyamvar Rai’s in the Sheena Bora murder case on the condition that he should reveal the entire truth before the court.

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With this, Rai becomes the only eyewitness to the murder as the court declared him a prosecution witness on Monday.

While making Rai a prosecution witness, special judge HS Mahajan held that the present case is based on the circumstantial evidence and if one of the conspirators is ready to tell the truth before the court to support the prosecution to prove the case against the other, it should be considered.

“In my view evidence of the applicant would be of immense importance and assistance to the case of the prosecution. It is very difficult at times to get such direct evidence. I find merit in the application as well as the stand of the prosecution in the matter,” observed the court.

The court, however, laid down few conditions for Rai. The court has in its order said that Rai has to disclose the truth about the conspiracy and the act of murder and role of every accused including his own before the court. The court also asked him to reply honestly to every question of the prosecution. Rai has agreed to abide by the conditions. Rai, who allegedly assisted Indrani in Sheena’s murder had later disposed her body.

The court said it would begin trial in the case from the next hearing scheduled by next month. The murder came to light after the arrest of driver Rai in an arms act case. Indrani was arrested on August 25 last for the murder. Later, CBI also arrested Peter in connection with the case.