HC orders Maharashtra to form SIT to probe builder Loharia's murder

The petitioner also alleged that there was political pressure on Loharia by a Maharashtra Cabinet minister who had asked him not to take up illegal construction issue.

“According to us, in the light of the seriousness of the offence which is alleged, the investigation needs to be carried out by a Special Investigation Team to be headed by an officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (crime) and investigation being further supervised/ monitored by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime),” said the judges.

The petitioner, who appeared in person, contended that in the event the court was inclined to constitute a SIT, he would not press for the relief prayed for in this PIL for handing over of the investigation to the CBI.

The state informed the court that certain accused have been arrested and that charge-sheet and supplementary charge-sheets had been filed in the trial court.

It further said that pursuant to an order under section 173(8) of the CrPC, the investigation was being carried out currently by the Crime Branch.