Date:14/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/14/stories/2003021405171100.htm

National

Shivani murder: prosecution outlines conspiracy

NEW DELHI FEB. 13. Senior IPS Officer and prime accused in the Shivani Bhatnagar murder case R.K. Sharma had checked into Ashoka Hotel here in December 1998 and January 1999 on the pretext of official work to give final touches to the plot to eliminate the journalist, prosecution told a city court today.

Outlining the conspiracy behind the murder, the special public prosecutor, S.K. Saxena, said Mr. Sharma had come to Delhi from Mumbai on the pretext of attending a meeting in the Civil Aviation Ministry and another in the office of the Chief Vigilance Commissioner. However, enquiries from the departments showed that Mr. Sharma had not attended any meeting there during this period.

The court is hearing arguments on the point of framing of charges against the accused.

Instead, on January 13, he called Shivani from the co-accused, Sri Bhagwan's mobile phone, and asked her to come to the hotel following which she arrived there with the child, Mr. Saxena said adding that the statement of the taxi driver, who ferried her to the hotel, substantiated this.

— PTI