Special crime branch team to probe case

A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the murder of Vashi builder Sunil Kumar Loharia, who was shot dead outside his office on February 16. The case had been transferred from the Navi Mumbai police to the crime branch on Wednesday.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the murder of Vashi builder Sunil Kumar Loharia, who was shot dead outside his office on February 16. The case had been transferred from the Navi Mumbai police to the crime branch on Wednesday.

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Himanshu Roy, joint commissioner of police (crime), said inspector Ramesh Mahale will lead the SIT, and that investigations had begun.

Police said six officers from four different units were part of the SIT. A team was sent to Navi Mumbai, which took the accused in custody for further questioning and they would also be studying all case papers.

The Navi Mumbai police have arrested three accused, Venkatesh Shettiar and Wajid Kureshi, who were actually involved in the murder, and former encounter specialist Emmanuel Amolik who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. The three are in police custody till February 22.

“The crime branch team will request an extension of their custody,” said Niket Kaushik, additional commissioner of police (crime). Apart from those arrested, there are allegations that other builders could be involved in the case.