Trial in illegal construction of Sara

Mumbai, Mar 23 (UNI) The trial in the illegal construction of twin shopping complex Sara&Sahara at Crawford Market in South Mumbai on CPWD (Central Public Works Department) land began in the special MCOCA court with the deposition of Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Naiknavre.

Deposing before MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act) Judge Ashok Bhangale, Mr Naiknavre said the accused Tariq Ali, while recording his statement, had said that he realised his mistake and wanted to confess. "Tariq's confession was voluntary,'' he said.

The accused had, however, retracted his confession later.

Replying to a query raised by Special Public Prosecutor Rohini Salian, Mr Naiknavre told the court that ''interaction between him and accused was recorded in Hindi.'' However, the remaining part of the confessional statement was in English.

He said the accused was aware that his confessional statement could be used against him (Tariq) as evidence.

Judge Bhangale, meanwhile, issued a show-cause notice to advocate Waris Pathan for not being present in the court for cross examination. Mr Pathan is representing prime accused Abdul Rehman Sheikh, who is said to be the owner of the shopping complex.

The notice is returnable tomorrow.

According to the prosecution case, the commercial complex, allegedly owned by Pakistan-based underworld Dawood Ibrahim, has been built on a land owned by the CPWD and has 350-odd shop and around 30 godowns.

In all 8 people, including 4 officials of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have been arrested.

The cross examination will continue tomorrow.

UNI ST KD SB RS2020