MUMBAI: A CCTV video clip of a retired DCP’s chilling confession detailing how he allegedly covered up custodial death of a prisoner has surfaced.
According to India Today, the incident happened 30 years ago at Worli police station.
-Confession on Cam–
The clip was recently handed to the Mumbai police by the complainant and businessman, Rajendra Thakkar at whose office the former DCP Bhimrao Sonawane is seen making the alleged claims.
Noteworthy, Thakkar and Sonawane are related and is locked in a dispute over monetary matters.
The CCTV footage was handed over to the Worli police station under whose jurisdiction the alleged death took place in 1990 when Sonawane was an inspector.
The video dated October 15 2018, shows Thakker and other two where Sonawane is seen bragging about covering up the death of deceased identified as Rattu Gosavi from Worli.
-Beat Like Dogs–
Gosavi, who was brought to the police station had over 27 cases in his name. Sonawane said, “We wanted Gosavi for a long time. Once he was brought to the police station we physically assaulted him, including on his private parts. Whenever I bring in an accused, I beat them like dogs. However, later I learnt that he died. I checked his eyes and he was dead. I informed some other officer.”
-Tricked The Protesting Mob-
In the video, Sonawane further narrated: “A mob of around 400 people gathered outside the police station. I parked a police van parked outside the station and trained two constables to hold Gosavi’s body from both sides and move his legs in such a way that the constables supporting it walk ahead. It had to look like he is injured. Many people came asking what happened and I said he has injured himself. I had also handcuffed him so that it looked real.”
-Dressed Up Crime Records-
In the video, Sonawane explained how the doctor at KEM Hospital refused to admit him in ICU declaring him dead and how Sonawane, with his links, managed to got the deceased admitted at JJ Hospital.
Sonawane is heard saying that he asked the officer to plant a revolver at Gosavi’s body so as to make it appear as he attempted firing at the cops and later jumped from the chawl that results in injuring his private parts.
–Complaint Filed–
Following the complaints and receiving the video clip, Mumbai Police initiated an inquiry into the matter.
“Based on the complaint filed we have begun investigations. However, this case was investigated at the time this happened. If a fresh complaint is made we will do an inquiry. We need proper credible evidence in the matter only then can further investigations be done. This video won’t be enough.”
–Culprits Clarification–
Sonawane, who has four cases registered against him refuted the allegation and said it is an attempt to trap him.