CBI seeks time to file affidavit against Peter's bail plea

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday sought time to file its affidavit in response to a bail application filed by former media baron Peter Mukherjea, arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of his wife Indrani Mukerjea's daughter Sheena Bora.

The CBI on Thursday told Justice Revati Mohite Dere that it would require time to file its affidavit opposing Peter's bail.

Justice Dere then posted the bail plea for further hearing on July 19.

Peter approached the high court seeking bail after the sessions court rejected his bail on two occasions earlier.

In his bail plea, Peter said there is nothing incriminating against him in the charge sheet.

Peter was arrested in November last year in the Sheena Bora murder case. Prior to it, his wife Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, and her former driver Shyamvar Rai were arrested in connection with the sensational murder case.

In his bail plea before HC, Peter questioned the lower court's refusal to grant him bail on the ground that the probe was still on.

A further probe once the charge sheet is filed has no fixed deadline, and merely mentioning that they are still investigating the case is not fair ground to keep a man in custody indefinitely, the application contended.

"There is still not an iota of evidence against Peter, and he has been kept behind bars only on suspicion. An arrest on mere suspicion based only on calls at odd hours is extremely tenuous," the plea said.

According to the prosecution, Sheena was murdered on April 24, 2012, but the crime came to light after the arrest of Rai in another case in August 2015.

Following this, Indrani and Sanjeev were also arrested in August last year.

According to prosecution, Indrani, Sanjeev and Rai allegedly strangled Sheena (24), Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car in April 2012.

While Peter and Khanna are lodged in Arthur Road prison, Indrani (43) is in Byculla womens' jail in Mumbai.