Archive · 22 Jul 2026
CBI Allowed to Examine New Witness in Sheena Bora Murder Case
In the Sheena Bora murder case, the CBI wanted to examine a new witness, Narayan Prasad Pathak, who worked at a hotel where one of the accused, Sanjeev Khanna, stayed.
The CBI wanted Pathak to verify the handwriting and signatures of the hotel's former General Manager, Vernon Fernandes, who had passed away.
The defense lawyers argued that this request was delayed and would prolong the trial.
However, the court allowed the CBI to examine Pathak but directed that the main investigating officer should be examined first.
The Special CBI Court allowed the CBI to examine Narayan Prasad Pathak as a new witness in the Sheena Bora murder case.
Pathak is to verify the handwriting and signatures of the deceased General Manager, Vernon Fernandes.
The defense opposed the plea, citing delay and the potential to prolong the trial.
The court directed that the CBI's main investigating officer should be examined first before Pathak.
The trial has been pending since 2015 and is at an advanced stage.
- Who
- The Special CBI Court, CBI, Indrani Mukerjea, Sanjeev Khanna, Narayan Prasad Pathak, Vernon Fernandes
- What
- The court allowed the CBI to examine a new witness in the Sheena Bora murder case.
- When
- July 21, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai
- Why
- To verify the handwriting and signatures of the deceased General Manager, Vernon Fernandes, who was originally cited as a witness.
Prosecution's Stance
Defense's Stance
Examination of New Witness
Prosecution's Stance
The CBI seeks to examine Narayan Prasad Pathak, a hotel employee, to verify the handwriting and signatures of the deceased General Manager, Vernon Fernandes, who was originally cited as a witness.
Defense's Stance
The defense argues that the application to examine the new witness is delayed and lacks explanation, which would reopen evidence and prolong the trial unnecessarily.
Impact on Trial
Prosecution's Stance
The prosecution believes that examining Pathak is crucial to verify the authenticity of documents linking Sanjeev Khanna to the alleged offense.
Defense's Stance
The defense contends that allowing this examination would abuse the process of law and is a substantive piece of evidence that goes to the root of the prosecution's case.
- Date of Court Hearing
- July 21, 2026
- New Witness
- Narayan Prasad Pathak
- Deceased Witness
- Vernon Fernandes
- Defendants
- Indrani Mukerjea, Sanjeev Khanna
- Court Direction
- CBI's main investigating officer to be examined first before Pathak