Accused in techie’s killing was drunk, his friend tells cops

MUMBAI: The girlfriend and another friend of Chandrabhan Sanap, accused of murdering software engineer Anuhya Esther on January 5, have told the police that the night before the crime, the accused and the duo had a liquor party at the girlfriend’s hut about half a kilometre away from the spot in Kajurmarg where Esther’s body was found.
Sanap’s girlfriend, who is one of 78 witnesses in the case, told the police the party continued till midnight, after which Sanap left on his bike.For the police, the statements of the woman and Sanap’s other friend, Sahu, are important to prove that Sanap was under the influence of alcohol before committing the crime. Sanap’s mother, Jeejabai, and sister have said in their statements that on the morning of January 5, Sanap had returned home in blood-soaked clothes and informed them that in a robbery bid, he had killed a girl. Jeejabai said that at this, she shouted at him and told him to get out of the city.
The statements are contained in the 542-page chargesheet filed by the crime branch before the 37th metropolitan magistrate’s court on Monday. Joint commissioner of police (crime) Sadanand Date said the police have requested for the case to be fast-tracked and for the appointment of special public prosecutor Raja Thackare.
A source said that if the case is heard in a fast-track court, Sanap will be convicted in a year.
“We have strong evidence in the case. There are reports of DNA samples, and documentary and circumstantial evidence. Seventy-six witness have identified the accused. Also, there is CCTV footage and panchnamas of the victim’s bag and identity card found with the accused,” said Date. Esther’s laptop is yet to be found.