No evidence found against Razzak Khan yet: Police

MUMBAI : Former corporator Razzak Khan’s son Amjad was spotted near the home of RTI activist Bhupendra Vira before he was shot dead on Saturday night, said the police,

MUMBAI : Former corporator Razzak Khan’s son Amjad was spotted near the home of RTI activist Bhupendra Vira before he was shot dead on Saturday night, said the police, adding there was no direct evidence against Khan.

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The police are recording the statement of a man, who allegedly saw Amjad in the area before the incident. “Preliminary investigation shows Khan hired the shooter, who was directed to Vira’s home,” said an officer.

The case has been transferred to the Mumbai crime branch (unit 8) from the Vakola police station. “Several teams have been formed. We are looking for the shooter,” said Sanjay Saxena, joint commissioner of police, Mumbai crime branch.

“It is a case of contract killing. Khan has relatives in Uttar Pradesh. We are still to ascertain if the shooter was from the area or outside the city. We are checking the mobile call records of the accused, his family and relatives to get leads,” said the officer.

Vira was shot dead at his Kalina residence in Santacruz (East) on Saturday night while watching television. Khan and Amjad were arrested on Sunday night. They are in police custody till October 24.

“Although the accused have been handed over to the crime branch, we will continue with the probe. If we find a suspect or get a lead in the case, we will verify it and hand it over to the crime branch,” said Mahadev Wawale, senior inspector, Vakola police station.

An officer from Vakola police said Amjad and his men had attacked Vira’s son and nephew with swords in 2010.

After the incident, Vira started to target Khan’s illegal properties and filed complaints against him in the BMC, said the officer, adding he got the Lokayaukta to initiate action against him.