J Dey murder: key accused confesses

In a boost to the investigation of the J Dey murder case, a key accused has confessed to the crime and conspiracy that had been hatched to eliminate the senior journalist. However, the motive behind the murder still eludes investigators.

In a boost to the investigation of the J Dey murder case, a key accused has confessed to the crime and conspiracy that had been hatched to eliminate the senior journalist. However, the motive behind the murder still eludes investigators.

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Dey was shot dead on June 11 as he was riding his motorcycle in suburban Powai. Senior officers in the crime branch on Monday said Arun Dake (27), who had been arrested on June 27 along with six of his associates — all belonging to the alleged hit squad prepared by Chhota Rajan's sharpshooter Satish Kalya (also arrested) — recorded his confession on Saturday.

In accordance with the provisions under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), the confession was recorded by a DCP rank officer. Under MCOCA, the confession has evidentiary value and is considered important in establishing the crime and guilt of the accused. Confirming the development, Mumbai police spokesperson Nisar Tamboli said Dake's confession would bolster the case as he was not only involved in the shootout but was also party to the conspiracy.

Investigation has revealed that on June 11, Dake was riding a motorcycle with Kalya as pillion. There were two more motorcycles (carrying two men each) following them, while a Qualis was trailing the motorcycles as a back up. The assailants first spotted Dey around 1.30pm and began following him. After some time, Kalya asked Dake to speed up. As they neared Dey's bike, Kalya pulled out a .32 mm revolver and fired five bullets from behind.

Three hit Dey on his arm and shoulder, one crossed through and the other punctured his heart.

Before the shootout, Dake had allegedly accompanied Anil Waghmode (co-accused) to the Peninsula complex where Dey used to park his motorcycle in the Mid-Day parking area.