Mumbai Court Admits New Witness in Sheena Bora Case

In the Sheena Bora murder trial, a special court in Mumbai has allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to summon and examine an additional prosecution witness. This development occurs as the trial approaches its conclusion, with the 149th witness, investigating officer K K Singh, already deposing. The CBI requested permission to examine Narayan Pathak, an employee of Hotel Hill Top, after the initially cited witness, general manager Vernon Fernandes, passed away.

The prosecution aims for Pathak to identify signatures on documents concerning accused Sanjeev Khanna's hotel stay on the relevant dates. The court found these documents essential for a just decision, stating they are indispensable and will not prejudice the defense, as they will have an opportunity to cross-examine Pathak. However, the court reminded the prosecution about the trial's pendency since 2015 and the need for day-to-day proceedings.

The defense opposed the application, citing a significant delay of over three years and seven months and arguing that the CBI was attempting to fill evidential gaps late in the trial. They also noted Pathak was not initially cited in the chargesheet. The court acknowledged the death of Vernon Fernandes, making his testimony impossible, and found that Pathak, having worked with Fernandes, could identify his signatures on the hotel documents which are material to establishing Khanna's alleged stay.

The court directed that the examination of investigating officer Singh should proceed on priority. The CBI's case alleges Indrani Mukerjea, with her former husbands Khanna and Peter Mukerjea, and driver Shyamvar Rai, planned and executed Sheena Bora's murder in April 2012. Rai had previously turned approver and deposed as a prosecution witness.