Slain activist’s family to file defamation case against corporator

Slain right to information (RTI) activist Bhupendra Vira’s family has accused Kalina corporator Brian Miranda of maligning the name of Vira and threatened to file a defamation case against him.

In a press conference organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mayur Vira, son of the late Bhupendra Vira, said, “My father was an activist who was killed for his drive against the land mafia. However, Miranda accused him of blackmailing. This is unjust and we will fight against Miranda.”

“Miranda comes and pays tribute to my father and hours later, he is on a TV channel levelling baseless allegations against my father,” said Mayur. “We are consulting lawyers and will be filing defamation case against Miranda,” he added.

Bhupendra Vira was killed at his home on October 15, when the assailant, suspected to have entered the main room from the door, shot Vira on the temple and ran off.

The Vakola police arrested ex-corporator Razzak Khan, 78, and his son, Amjad, 53, for the alleged murder as they had a running feud with him.

Mayur said both the accused were also arrested in 2010 for attacking him after he fought them against grabbing his 600 sq ft godown in Chandu Studio Compound.

Miranda, a Congress corporator, said he was speaking the truth and was ready to face a defamation suit. “Vira filed complaints only against Razzak and this was done with an ulterior motive,” said Miranda. “Vira demanded money for withdrawing complaints in front of me and I only stated this,” said Miranda. “I am ready to defend myself in any court,” he added.

Vira had filed over 3,000 RTI queries against Khan to unearth allegedly illegal constructions Khan had raised on 16 acres of land in Kalina. In recent months, the BMC demolished at least four structures belonging to Khan, including his office.