In a significant development in the high-profile Pune land case, the prosecution informed the court that crucial documents related to the alleged fraud were signed by an 'office boy' working with the prime accused, Shital Tejwani. This revelation came during a hearing on Tuesday, where the prosecution argued for an extension of Tejwani's police custody, citing her lack of cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
Court Extends Custody Amidst Non-Cooperation Claims
The court, agreeing with the prosecution's arguments, extended the police custody of Shital Tejwani till December 27. This extension is intended to allow investigators more time for a thorough probe into the intricate details of the case. The prosecution strongly contended that Tejwani was not providing the necessary assistance to the investigating officers, thereby hindering the progress of the case.
Key Role of 'Office Boy' in Document Signing
A startling claim made by the prosecution was that several important papers central to the land deal under scrutiny were not signed by Tejwani herself. Instead, the signatures were allegedly put by an individual described as an 'office boy' employed with the accused. This detail raises serious questions about the authenticity of the documents and the procedures followed in the controversial transaction.
The prosecution's submission underscores the complexity of the case, suggesting that multiple individuals and layers may be involved in the alleged irregularities. The identity and specific role of this 'office boy' are likely to be a focal point for the police in the extended custody period.
Next Steps in the Investigation
With the fresh custody remand granted until December 27, the Pune Police now have a critical window to:
- Question Tejwani further regarding the 'office boy' and the nature of the signed documents.
- Verify the chain of events and the flow of documents in the land case.
- Potentially identify and interrogate other individuals linked to the signing process.
The case has attracted considerable public attention due to its scale and the prominent figures involved. The latest twist regarding the document signing adds a new dimension, indicating that the investigation is delving deeper into the operational mechanics of the alleged scam. The court's decision to grant more custody time reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a conclusive probe.
