I have no connection with Chordia's suicide: Former PCMC commissioner

Former Commissioner of PCMC, Ashish Sharma issued a clarification statement yesterday, denying any involvement in the suicide of hotelier Ajay Chordia, after a section of the media reported his alleged role in pushing the prominent businessman to take the drastic step.

Chordia (48), group chairman of Panchshil Hotels, was found hanging in the smoking lobby on the 11th floor of the hotel DoubleTree by Hilton in Chinchwad on Monday. In a suicide note found in his trouser pocket, it was alleged that Sharma had ruined his life and was responsible for this death. The note further alleged that Sharma had taken R5 crore, as well as a flat in Baner from Chordia.

‘False rumours'
Speaking to mid-day, Sharma said, "I was Commissioner of PCMC about two and a half years ago. I am posted in Mumbai at present, and was not in contact with Ajay Chordia. Chordia, being a prominent citizen from the PCMC area, was known to me during my tenure as Commissioner. On Wednesday morning, rumours were spread about my involvement in the suicide, but I want to make it clear that I have no connection with the case. I don't have any flat in Baner area." The police are yet to verify whether Chordia wrote the suicide note himself, and for that purpose have roped in handwriting analysts from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Maharashtra Police.

Cops have recorded statements of the hotel staff, but are yet to record statements of Chordia's family members and said that 15 more days will be required to draw any conclusion in the case. Investigation team head and Additional Commissioner of Police (North region) Prakash Mutyal said, "We are waiting for the CID report on the handwriting samples. There can be many persons with the name of Ashish Sharma, and we have still not come to any conclusion. Recording the statements of the Chordia family is a crucial step in this investigation process, and we will need another 15 days to arrive at any conclusion."