In a major development in the Esther Anhuya murder case, the city crime branch has found a person who reportedly saw Esther getting on the motorcycle along with the prime accused, Chandrakant Sanap. The eye-witness' testimony will boost the police's case, as so far, the police have not been able to explain or produce evidence as to why Esther had decided to go along with Sanap.
The crime branch is expected to file the chargesheet in the case in the next couple of weeks.
According to sources, the witness was present at the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) premises in Kurla in the wee hours of January 5 when Esther was last spotted there with Sanap.
"We now have a strong case against Sanap because the eye-witness saw Esther getting on the bike at the station," said an officer privy to the investigation. He further added: "The only part in the case that belied explanation so far was why Esther had got on to the bike of an unknown person. But now we will be able to prove that too, thanks to the testimony of the eyewitness."
According to sources, Sanap's friend, Nandkishore Sahu, who saw Esther's body on that fateful morning when Sanap approached him after the murder, will be the prime witness in the case.
Crime branch is expected to rely heavily on technical evidences, including the CCTV footage at LTT, to wrap up the case against Sanap. In the footage, Esther is seen alighting on platform number 3 at LTT on January 5 morning at 4:55 am. At 5:11 am, she is seen between platform number 4 and 5. This where Esther met Sanap, who is later seen wheeling her trolley. At this time, Esther is seen talking to someone on her mobile phone and both are seen walking toward LLT exit gate.
The police have yet not found Esther's laptop, which Sanap had reportedly thrown into Thane creek while escaping on his way to Nashik. "We haven't yet found Esther's laptop, but apart from that we have enough evidence and are confident we will get conviction in the case," said an officer.
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