‘Politicians, police shielding Loharia murder accused’

25-year-old Sandeep Loharia, son of Navi Mumbai-based builder Sunil Loharia who had been murdered earlier this year, still awaits justice. However, he said that he has little hope for the conviction of those accused in the crime. HT reports.

25-year-old Sandeep Loharia, son of Navi Mumbai-based builder Sunil Loharia who had been murdered earlier this year, still awaits justice. However, he said that he has little hope for the conviction of those accused in the crime.

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Sandeep said that the accused that have been absconding since the murder are well connected with top politicians and policemen who are shielding them for prosecution.

“Four officers above the rank of deputy commissioner of police, including two from the Mumbai police, have been helping the accused. Some top politicians too are in cahoots with the accused,” alleged Sandeep. However, for his own ‘safety,’ he refused to name any officers or politicians.

Adding that it was ‘impossible’ to arrest wanted accused like Anurag Garg, Sandeep said that the ‘rich and influential’ will use their ‘clout’ to ensure that they are not arrested. He also alleged that Garg was in touch with gangster Chhota Rajan’s aide Bandya Mama. Sandeep also questioned the role of the Navi Mumbai police during the course of the investigation.

“It has been nearly four months and the main accused still continue to evade arrest. Why have the police not attached the properties of the accused?” he asked.

However, Sandeep said he is happy that the Mumbai crime branch has taken over the case and that he has full faith in them.

The investigation was transferred from the Navi Mumbai police to the Mumbai crime branch after Sandeep had met home minister RR Patil .

After having taken over, the crime branch has made 9 arrests so far. Joint commissioner of police, crime, Himanshu Roy said that they can attach property only after a person was declared to be an ‘absconder’ by the court.

“Once the court declares him an absconder, we will attach his properties. Bijlani's arrest is a matter of time,” Roy said.