CBI grills victim for 4 hrs, accused for 20 minutes

Investigating officials record NGO worker's statement in alleged shootout case; let off Nitesh Rane within 20 mins of questioning

Investigating officials record NGO worker's statement in alleged shootout case; let off Nitesh Rane within 20 mins of questioning

Yesterday, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and forensic experts arrived in the city to carry out their investigation in connection with the alleged shootout of Chintu Sheikh at Nitesh Rane's Khar office. CBI had registered a case on April 8 against Rane, for allegedly attacking Chintu Sheikh, a member of Swabhimaan Sanghatana, which Nitesh heads. The team reached the city at 9 am and called Sheikh in for questioning. After three hours, Sheikh was taken to the office of Swabhiman Sanghatana situated at Sant Niwas Building in Khar. Inquiries lasted for more than four hours and CBI officials checked the office premises and recorded Sheikh's statement.


Under investigation: The CBI had registered a case on April 8 against
Nitesh Rane, for allegedly attacking Chintu Sheikh , a member of
Swabhimaan Sanghatana, which Nitesh heads

After four hours of inquiries, Sheikh came out of the building along with CBI officials and reenacted the shootout. In his original complaint, Sheikh had said that on September 23, Rane, who was apparently furious over an issue, shot him twice at the office. At the time, however, the police did not register a case and the Crime Branch also gave a clean chit to Rane, claiming that another offender had shot Sheikh. The CBI took over the case involving the politico's son after being ordered by the Bombay High Court on March 24 this year.
Meanwhile, the CBI team also called in Nitesh Rane, the son of Maharashtra industries minister Narayan Rane. He was let off after 20 minutes of questioning.

"The CBI inquiry is going on and we have rendered our full support. There is a big conspiracy set up by the ruling party, as civic elections are nearing and considering Swabhimaan Sanghatana's good work and its rising fame. Once the CBI report is out, everyone will know who the real hero is and who is the real villain," said Rane.