Crime branch to seek US firm's help in J Dey case

After arresting seven suspects in connection with the murder of slain journalist Jyotirmoy Dey, the Mumbai police is consulting a technology firm in the United States to enhance the quality of the CCTV footages that show assailants trailing the senior journalist on the day of the killing.

The footage obtained from a CCTV installed at D-Mart, a shopping centre in Hiranandani area of Powai, shows assailants on motorcycles closely following Dey minutes before he was shot dead.

Dey too was riding a motorcycle when he was fired upon on June 11 near 'Spectrum Building' in the suburb.

Four attackers on two motorbikes followed 56-year-old Mid-Day crime reporter before closing in and executing their plan, the footage, also aired by some news channels, showed.

However, the murder itself had not been captured by the CCTV. One of the gunmen is believed to be Rohit Thangappan alias Satish Kalya, a member of fugitive underworld don Chhota Rajan gang. Rajan had allegedly plotted the murder, given the contract to the killers and arranged for the weapon used in the crime.

"Whatever footages we have are very blurred. Since we want the footages, which are vital pieces of evidence, very clear, we are in consultation with a US based technology firm, which could enhance its quality," said a crime branch official.

On Sunday night, police had arrested Rohit Thangappan Joseph alias Satish Kalya, Abhijeet Shinde, Arun Dake, Sachin Gaikwad, Anil Waghmode, Nilesh Shendge and Mangesh Agawane in connection with Dey's murder.