Sheena Bora case: Indrani had even called a senior IPS officer: Peter's lawyer

Mumbai: Seeking bail for former media baron Peter Mukerjea arrested in Sheena Bora murder case, his lawyer on Saturday argued in a court here that mere calls between him and his wife and prime accused Indrani Mukerjea during the period when the crime took place did not make him a conspirator.

The motive attributed by CBI for the crime (financial transactions) also was not believable, the lawyer added. Advocate Aabad Ponda told the special CBI court here that Indrani had spoken to several people during the period, not just Peter (who was then abroad).

"Indrani had even called (senior IPS officer) Deven Bharti. If these are not objectionable, then why are Peter's calls objectionable?" the lawyer said.

On April 28, 2012, (four days after Sheena's murder) eight calls were made to Bharti, he claimed. "He (Bharti) even did not mention it in his statement, CBI doesn't find it objectionable....I am not suggesting that Bharti is part of the conspiracy," advocate Ponda said.

CBI, in the charge-sheet, has pointed out several calls between Peter and Indrani during the concerned period to show that Peter too was party to the conspiracy to kill Sheena.

"Peter is a murderer just because he spoke to his family?" advocate Ponda said, adding that Indrani and her secretary Kajal too had several telephonic conversations.

The arguments will continue on Monday. Peter's bail application had been rejected once earlier. He was arrested on November 19. Other arrested accused are Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her driver Shyamvar Rai.

Indrani, Rai and Khanna allegedly strangled Sheena (24), Indrani's daughter from earlier relationship, in a car in April 2012. The crime came to light last August. According to CBI, the crime was linked to financial transactions.