8. 2015 Sheena Bora Murder Case (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

One of the most intriguing murder cases of the century. On April 24, 2012, Sheena Bora, an executive working in Mumbai Metro One, went missing and was never found again. The case came into limelight in August 2015 when Mumbai Police arrested Indrani Mukerjea, Sanjeev Khanna, and Shyamvar Rai as suspects for the murder of Sheena Bora. Indrani’s husband and media tycoon Peter Mukerjea was also arrested later.

What Really Happened?

Shyamvar Rai, a driver by profession, was arrested on August 21, 2015, for a traffic offence. His interrogation by police started when he was found in possession of illegal weapons. He spilled the beans that his employer and high profile co-founder of INX Media, Indrani Mukerjea, had abducted and killed her ‘niece’ in 2012 and disposed of her body in the forest. Inquiries revealed that a matching body had been recovered a few years earlier by the local police in Pen tehsil, Raigad. The ‘niece’ turned out to be Indrani’s own daughter from the first marriage, Sheena Bora. It emerged that Indrani had been telling everyone in the intervening period that Sheena had gone abroad. Indrani and her second husband Sanjeev Khanna had carried out the chilling murder in a car driven by Rai. The murder was confirmed by the driver upon his arrest. Sanjeev Khanna also admitted to his role in the murder. However, the prime accused, Indrani Mukerjea denied the crime and claims that her daughter Sheena Bora is still alive and residing in the USA.

Why the Murder?

As per CBI, Indrani was scared that Vidhie, her daughter with ex-husband Sanjeev, would lose a considerable amount of property if Sheena got married to Rahul Mukerjea, the son of her third husband Peter Mukerjea from his previous marriage. Hence, the plan for elimination. The murder is also intertwined with some complex financial irregularities concerning the operations and sale of INX Media, with money being parked in an offshore account in Sheena Bora’s name. Reports suggest that Sheena allegedly demanded a three-bedroom flat from her mother and was also blackmailing her in the process. After her disappearance, Indrani had taken control of her accounts.

What’s the Status Now?

It’s been seven years. All the accused are behind bars. Peter Mukerjea, who had claimed shock and no knowledge of the murder initially, was also taken into custody later. But the cause of death is still unknown. Sanjay Thakur, who examined Sheena’s body, stated that since the body was burnt and half-decomposed, the cause of death is difficult to establish. So far, nearly 52 witnesses have been produced in the case and some more are scheduled in the next few days. Shyamvar Rai has turned approver in Sheena Bora murder case. Recent reports suggest that Indrani has also become an approver in the INX Media case. But the closure of the case seems to be a long way off.