RTI actvist murder: Cops claim they have evidence against ex-corporator, son

The police on Tuesday claimed to have got some evidence of involvement of former corporator Razzak Khan and his son Amjad in the murder of Right to Information (RTI) activist Bhupendra Vera (60). Meanwhile, the city crime branch took over the investigation from the Vakola police.

"We have taken over Vera's murder case and would now probe further. Initial probe and evidence reveals involvement of Khan and his son in the case," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Saxena.

On the night of October 15, Vera was shot dead at his Razzaq Chawl residence in Vakola, Santa Cruz (E). He was shot in his temple at point-blank range, while he was watching television and his wife was in the other room. The police have found an empty pellet from the spot.

Following the incident, Vera's family accused Khan and his family in the First Information Report (FIR), after which the father-son duo was arrested on the basis of suspicion.

Police sources said the shooter was known to the family. "Once we trace the shooter and recover the murder weapon, the case will be cracked. Also, we are interrogating the arrested duo to understand the motive behind the killing," said another police officer.

According to sources, in the last few days before his death, Vera was trying to get information about illegal constructions through RTI Act. He is believed to have filed several RTI applications with the police and municipal corporation departments. It has also come to the fore that four years ago, Khan had assaulted Vera's son over some issue.