Under pressure, Rakesh Maria retained as investigation chief in Sheena Bora murder case

MUMBAI: Faced with questions over Rakesh Maria's removal as he was investigating the Sheena Bora murder case, the Maharashtra government has tried to do some damage control. Late on Tuesday evening, additional chief secretary (home) KP Bakshi said that while Maria has been promoted as DG (Home Guards), he would still be heading the investigation into the Sheena Bora murder case.

"Government has decided that the Sheena Bora murder case investigation will continue to be monitored by Rakesh Maria even after his elevation and transfer," said a message sent by Bakshi.

When ET contacted Bakshi and asked him why the government, which till earlier in the day was claiming that this is just another murder case and Maria being shunted out would not hurt the case, made a u-turn, Bakshi said, "There were so many adverse comments doing the rounds in the media, there was a wrong message which connected Maria's transfer to the investigations in the Sheena Bora case. We took stock of the situation and decided that since only 5-10% work is left, it is better that the case be handled by Maria," said Bakshi.


When asked as to whether Maria would look into the case till the charge sheet is filed, Bakshi said, "The charge sheet is just clerical work. He (Maria) would be looking into what charges have to be filed and bring up the remaining facts of the case," said Bakshi.