In 2007, Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea had co-founded the broadcasting group INX media, which they exited in 2009 amid talk of embezzlement and proxy firms. (PTI photo)
Former media executive Peter Mukerjea's CBI custody has been extended till November 30 by a court in Mumbai today. Mr Mukerjea was arrested on November 19 in connection with the murder case of his step-daughter Sheena Bora.
While seeking an extension of Mr Mukerjea's custody in court today, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) argued that financial transactions, running into Rs 900 crores, could be the motive behind the murder and that the money was transferred to accounts in Singapore, which they suspect could be Ms Bora's.
In 2007, Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea had co-founded the broadcasting group INX media, which they exited in 2009 amid talk of embezzlement and proxy firms.
"Money was channeled into 9X Media through various channels," Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh said in court, and added, "Total financial transactions are running into 900 crore. Bank account is in Singapore and Interpol has been informed... We suspect these accounts could be in Sheena Bora's name... Financial transaction is a factor that has to be looked into. It is the motive. Money has gone into Sheena's account and that motive is there."
Mr Mukerjea's lawyer, however, said that there is no clarity on what this financial transaction is. "At this time there is no clarity on what is this financial transaction. Obviously he is a businessman and he has entered into financial transactions. How is it connected to this case? CBI is only exploring if there is any investment in Sheena's name. Peter has nothing to do this," Mihir Gheewala, Mr Mukerjea's lawyer told NDTV.
24-year-old Sheena Bora, Indrani Mukerjea's daughter from an earlier marriage, was allegedly killed by her mother, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai in April 2012. Ms Bora was the unacknowledged daughter of Ms Mukerjea. In public, she was introduced as Ms Mukerjea's sister. The murder remained undiscovered for three years. This August, Ms Bora's remains were found in the forest in Raigad, around 80 km from Mumbai.