Journalist J Dey murder case: Prosecution's prime witness becomes untraceable

The prosecution on Wednesday had informed the MCOCA court that the prime witness in the journalist Jyotirmoy Dey’s murder case, an eye witness had become untraceable. The court has directed the prosecution to find the witness till the time the prosecution does not complete providing its evidence, however if not found till then, then the court would not waste its time searching him, but would proceed with the case ahead.

The prosecution also held that if the agency fails to find him in next 15-20 days, which is the estimated time to complete the evidence, then the prosecution would drop his name from examination.

Special public prosecutor, Pradeep Gharat while speaking to DNA confirmed the fact, but added that his team is still searching for the witness. “Our officers had been to the house of the witness to serve summons, when they were informed by the witnesses’ family members that the identity of the witness has been allegedly leaked to the accused and who have allegedly threatened him with consequences. Thus, the witness is afraid to come on record and has gone missing and even the family is not in a position to inform us about his address.”

Advocate Gharat further added that till date the prosecution has examined 145 witnesses in the matter and is yet to examine eight to ten more witnesses. “I have informed the cops that they have still 15-20 days to find the witness and if they fail in tracing him, then we shall drop his name,”Gharat added.

Dey, a veteran crime reporter, was shot dead near his residence at Hiranandani Gardens in Powai on June 11, 2011, by motorcycle-borne shooters allegedly at Rajan's command. Four persons on two bikes fired at Dey, who was also riding a bike. After the attack, he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.