Absence of CCTV cameras hampers murder probe

Mumbai: The Goregaon police has hit a roadblock in the case of the murder of Niruben Patel (75), which came to light two days ago. According to sources, the absence of CCTV cameras in the SRA building premises in Goregaon is making it difficult for the police to piece together events that may have led to the murder.

Meanwhile, the police has questioned Patel’s son, Balraj, who seems to be giving unconvincing answers. The police is investigating all angles as Patel was the owner of the flat, and is questioning the family whether there was any dispute between the mother and son.

Police sources said that the victim lived with her son, Balraj, on the first floor of their apartment in Gaondevi Housing Society, New Link Road. According to primary statements of neighbours as recorded by the police, the mother-son relationship had soured over the last two months after they got into a fight about the land at their native place. A source said that the fight became so intense that Patel’s daughter, who stays in the adjoining building with her family, had to intervene and cool things down.

An investigating officer on the case told this newspaper on condition of anonymity. “We suspect that the murder may have been committed to get hold of the property, but nothing has been confirmed yet and this is just speculation. As the family is in mourning, they will be questioned on Monday, and Patel’s daughter too will be questioned in the matter.

The accused ransacked the house but left most of Patel’s jewellery intact on her person, leading the police to suspect that the robbery was staged. A team from the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories has collected samples from the crime scene. The police has not found a weapon and no arrests have been made so far.