Police rule out financial motive in NRI businessman Jayaram’s murder

Did the key accused in businessman Chigurupati Jayaram’s murder case, Rakesh Reddy, divert the attention of investigators by giving false information on Rs 4.5 crore hand loan given to Jayaram, who had huge assets in India and abroad? After two days of grilling Rakesh Reddy, the police came to the conclusion that there was no financial motive behind. Meanwhile, the investigators received fresh complaints against Rakesh Reddy for his illegal activities and taking people for a ride by telling them that he was doing real estate business. One Rajkumar lodged a complaint with police stating that Rakesh Reddy cheated him by taking money from him for investment in real estate and later not returning the money. On the second consecutive day on Thursday, the Jubilee Hills police questioned at least seven persons including Rakesh Reddy, his associate Srinivasulu, Jayaram’s niece Shika Choudhary and Rakesh Reddy’s close friends. While they questioned Rakesh Reddy about his financial transactions, lifestyle, illegal activities,  previous cases registered at different places and his contacts with some of persons associated with Tollywood, a team of police officials questioned Shikha Choudhary on her relationship with Rakesh Reddy and trespassing into her uncle Jayaram’s residence after his death. After collecting preliminary evidences and questioning more than 30 persons, the investigators  suspect that Rakesh Reddy had no financial deals with Jayaram. Based on information obtained from Rakesh Reddy’s friends including a history sheeter and junior artiste, cops  came to the conclusion that Jayaram was made a victim and the accused might have indulged in trying to extort money from him by confining him in Rakesh Reddy ‘s residence in Jubilee Hills. Meanwhile, the investigators also grilled Shika Choudhary for more than five hours and the questioning went on till 8 pm.  It was reported that the investigators collected details about her relationship with Jayaram, education, her work tenure in  Jayaram’s companies including Express TV, her association with Rakesh Reddy and her sudden visit to Jayaram’s residence after his death. “I gave all details to the investigator in connection with the case. They asked me to come for questioning if necessary in future. I will co-operate with them,” Shikha Choudhary said. Trespass case against Shikha Choudhary: Investigators questioned Shika Choudhary about the file that she has taken away from Jayaram’s house. They also asked her to explain the new project report that was prepared by her based on instructions of Jayaram. The police, basing on a complaint, are likely to register a case of trespass against Shikha Choudhary. The investigators, who grilled Rakesh Reddy and his friend Srinivasulur, have reconstructed the scene of offence by taking the accused to the spot.

By Mouli Mareedu

moulimareedu@gmail.com

Were Nayeem and CO’s illegal properties worth Rs 1,000 cr?

The sources further stated that the Income Tax officials reportedly collected details from Nayeem’s wife Haseena Begum regarding illegal properties located in 23 locations

Have slain gangster Mohammed Nayeemuddin alias Nayeem and his benamis amassed illegal assets worth Rs 1,000 crore ? The Income Tax Department (IT) officials, who verified the documents of movable and immovable assets of Nayeem and his family members including benamies, believe it to be approximately worth hundreds of crores of rupees. The officials, however, stated that they are yet to obtain some more information from the Sub Registrar Officers (SROs) in connection with the documents that were seized by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) during the investigation into Nayeem’s illegal activities. Sources told Express that the benami transactions prohibition unit of the Income Tax (IT) department is understood to have done a proper investigation on amassing movable and immovable assets by Nayeem and these properties were registered in the name of Nayeem’s wife Haseena Begum and relative Ahela Begum. The officials also collected details of Nayeem’s associates including Sheshanna, who is still absconding as per police, in connection with the illegal assets. The sources further stated that the Income Tax officials reportedly collected details from Nayeem’s wife Haseena Begum regarding illegal properties located in 23 locations.  The officials further stated that they served notices to Nayeem’s benamis.  “On the pretext of Assembly elections, revenue and sub registrar officials delayed in submitting Nayeem’s illegal property details.  As per the current estimates,  Nayeem amassed illegal properties worth  Rs 800 to 1,000 crore,” sources said.

By Mouli Mareedu