Attack not captured on cameras; footage grainy because of rain

Footage from the CCTVs at the gates of the buildings along the stretch where veteran journalist J Dey was shot dead on Saturday has disappointed the police.

Footage from the CCTVs at the gates of the buildings along the stretch where veteran journalist J Dey was shot dead on Saturday has disappointed the police.

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They failed to yield any leads as no camera was focused on the spot where he was gunned down. “We were expecting to get vital leads from the CCTV footage. But it turns out that where Dey was attacked was a blind spot between CCTVs installed at Spectramind and Crisil House,” a police officer said, on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

“In addition, it was raining when the incident took place so the quality of footage is bad. We have not been able to get any clear images of the accused,” the officer added. The only benefit of the CCTV is that it has footage of six persons - call centre employees and two security guards — who witnessed the attack.

“Normally, in such cases, it becomes difficult to get eyewitnesses,” the officer said.

Based on what the eyewitnesses have said, the police have figured out that the four assailants were in their early 20s. “But the eyewitnesses are too scared to say anything. Most of them are claiming that they moved away from the spot as soon as they heard the gun shots,” the officer said.

“The case is a priority and we are hopeful of catching the accused soon,” the officer said.

Sources said the police have taken his laptop and mobile phone for further investigations.