Sheena murder probe: Post-promotion, will Rakesh Maria spearhead investigation?
Mumbai: The Home department of Maharashtra now takes a U-turn as it reconsiders the decision to bring top cop Rakesh Maria back to the probe team in the high-profile Sheena Bora murder case, according to a Midday report.
The Home department had earlier sent a letter to him stating he could continue with the probe, despite his promotion as Director General of Police (Home Guards). In a new twist, it is learnt that Maria will be brought in only after a status review of the investigations.
“I have asked the Director General of Police Sanjeev Dayal to review the case and send me a status report. Once we get the report we will check if Maria is needed to guide the officers. We will meet the Chief Minister and accordingly take a detailed order for his return, if required,” Additional Chief Secretary (Home) KP Bakshi, was quoted as saying.
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Rakesh Maria promoted to DG Home Guards, Ahmed Javed to take over as Mumbai Police Commissioner
Sheena probe hit after Rakesh Maria’s sudden exit: sources
Rakesh Maria to take up 'supervisory role' in Sheena murder probe
Earlier, the Maharashtra government abruptly shifted Mumbai Police Commissioner Maria as Director General of police (Home Guards). The senior most IPS officer, Ahmed Javed was appointed as the new Mumbai Police Commissioner with immediate effect.
The government, which reportedly did not want Maria to head the probe, decided to allow him to continue with the investigation after facing flak from all quarters. Maria then confirmed that he was not given any official statement to continue with the probe. Days later, he was sent a three-line circular asking him to continue with the case.
According to highly placed sources, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was upset with Maria’s “over-enthusiasm” while conducting interrogations in the Sheena Bora case. “The CM was already unhappy with Mr Maria over his meeting with ex-IPL commissioner Lalit Modi in London. Two clarifications were sought from Mr Maria and Mr Fadnavis was not satisfied even with the second clarification,” the sources said.
