Citibank fraud: Police zero in on Shivraj Puri’s iPad

Strong leads have emerged in the Citibank fraud case that could lead to the possible recovery of prime accused Shivraj Puri’s missing iPad.

Gurgaon police sources indicated a “Noida-based friend” of Shivraj Puri could be holding the key to the recovery of the missing iPad.

“There is reliable information with us to suggest the possible involvement of this friend in the disappearance of the iPad. Investigations are on,” a senior Gurgaon police officer said.

Though police are tight-lipped about the name of this friend and their investigations in that direction, sources said teams were on Thursday dispatched to Noida to question this yet-to- be-identified friend.

The iPad, according to Gurgaon police holds critical evidence about Puri’s financial transactions. It could also shed light on Puri’s regular contacts and the means used by him to lure High Networth Individuals.

Earlier, police suspected that Puri had either hidden, or destroyed the phone. However, Thursday’s developments could prove to be a shot in the arm of the probe.

Meanwhile, in a set back to the accused family a local court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Shivraj’s father, Raghuraj.

He was running a brokerage firm Norway Martin in which Shivraj had allegedly invested Rs50 crore. The firm is under Gurgaon police probe as it is suspected to have had been used as a front company for diversion of funds by Shivraj.

After the court ruling Gurgaon police commissioner SS Deswal indicated they could soon arrest Raghuraj as well.