Sheena Bora murder: Driver-murderer reveals chilling details in first deposition
What's the story
Murderer-turned-approver Shyamvar Rai has deposed for the first time in the Sheena Bora case, describing horrific details about a murder that scandalized India. Rai, driver of Bora's mother Indrani Mukerjea, the main accused, narrated how she had roped him into the plan by insisting he's a "trustworthy" man. Then he recounted how he, Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna disposed off the body.
Plotting
How Indrani roped in her driver in the plan
Rai said Indrani told him of wanting to murder Sheena and her son Mikhail in March 2012. Apparently, there were property conflicts, and Sheena was also dating Rahul, son of her current husband Peter Mukerjea. She felt her children were trying to defame her by calling her "mom". Indrani assured Rai a "job for life", healthcare for his family and education for his children.
Information
Finding places to dump the bodies
In April, Indrani and Rai went looking for places around Lonavla and Mumbai to see where the bodies could be dumped. Rai said she called Peter and "said it was a good place".
The murder
How the trio drugged and strangled Sheena to death
On April 24, Indrani brought six bottles of medicine, one of vodka and two water bottles, then told Rai to mix them. When Sheena arrived, Indrani offered her the drugged liquid. Then they all went out in the car. Sheena had her eyes closed. They then strangled her to death. Afterwards, Indrani sat on her face and said: "Sheena now has her three-bedroom flat."
The dumping
But they couldn't get Mikhail unconscious
They then stuffed the body in a bag and put it in the garage. By then Mikhail was there, but he didn't lose senses despite the drug-laced liquor. Rai suggested dealing with Mikhail later. A day later, they took Sheena's body to Pen Road. Indrani applied make-up on Sheena's face and tied her hair. After dumping the body, they set it on fire.
Deposition
Scenes from the court
Rai was arrested in an illegal arms case in 2015, when he spilled the beans about Sheena's murder. He later sought permission to turn approver. As he deposed in court, Indrani, Khanna and Peter were present at the back of the courtroom and had to strain to hear the proceedings. Indrani and Peter kept taking notes. Indrani smiled whenever Rai mentioned her.