Indrani Mukerjea Seeks Bail Citing Life Threat, Poor Health

Indrani Mukerjea, accused in the sensational murder of Sheena Bora, her daughter from a previous husband, has sought bail citing a life threat besides other reasons.

Almost three years since her arrest, Indrani, former CEO of INX Media, has filed a bail application before the special CBI court in Mumbai. Her advocate, Gunjan Mangla, filed the application last week. The court has directed the CBI to file its say on the plea.

Seeking bail on several grounds

As per reports, Indrani has sought bail on several grounds. The plea cites two instances when she was hospitalised following a suspected drug overdose.

This year, on April 6, Indrani was rushed to JJ Hospital from Byculla women’s court in a semi-conscious state. She complained of uneasiness and difficulty in breathing. The hospital authorities said she had an overdose of anti-depressants that were not prescribed to her. However, the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory’s report ruled out a drug overdose. Indrani, when produced before the court later, claimed there might have been an attempt to poison her in jail.

Her bail plea, apart from life threat, also cites medical grounds. She claims to suffer from frequent blackouts in prison. She has also cited her status as a witness in the alleged murder case of convict Manjula Shetye on June 23. Six jail staffers were arrested for the same. Indrani, further, referred to her statements given to the CBI in the INX Media corruption case in Delhi.

Indrani,  since her arrest in August 2015, had filed for interim bail of two weeks in December 2016. It was for performing the last rites of her father, Upendra Bora. The court, then, had only allowed her for the day-long rites within the city and she was escorted by guards

Indrani is accused of the murder of her daughter Sheena on April 24, 2012. Her husband, Peter Mukerjea, former CEO of Star India, is also facing trial. Indrani's former husband, Sanjeev Khanna, is also and under trial for the same. The special court had rejected the bail applications of Mukerjea and Khanna which were filed previously.

The case's trial commenced last year with over 10 witnesses having deposed so far. Witnesses include Indrani's driver, Shyamvar Rai, her former secretary Kajal Sharma and her son Mikhail. Mikhail's cross-examination is currently underway, as per reports.

More reports by Bhawana