Cannot transfer each and every case to CBI: HC on Laila case

A division bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and A R Joshi was hearing a petition filed by Nadir Shah Patel, Bollywood starlet Laila Khan's biological father, seeking CBI probe into the murder of Laila, her mother and four siblings.

The city police's crime branch is presently investigating the probe.

Laila, her mother and four siblings were missing since February last year. Their decomposed bodies were recovered early this month from their bungalow in Igatpuri. According to crime branch, they were allegedly murdered by Laila's step father Parvez Tak.

In his petition while seeking CBI probe, Patel has said the police has delayed by over a year in investigating the matter despite a missing complaint filed by him in February last year.

However, the High Court today said the CBI cannot investigate each and every case.

"Just because she is supposed to be a celebrity, the CBI cannot be asked to probe the matter. Give us some formidable ground to show inefficiency on the part of the police. You cannot just come and say give the case to CBI," Justice Khanwilkar said.

The bench further said it will seek explanation from the police on delay in probing the missing complaint filed by the petitioner.

While seeking CBI probe into the matter, Patel has also sought action to be initiated against the senior police inspectors of Oshiwara police and Igatpuri police for failure to discharging their official duties.

The court today asked Patel to amend his petition and include crime branch official Sanjay More, against whom the petitioner has levelled serious allegations, as a respondent to the petition.

The matter has been adjourned till August 23.