Jigna Vora’s discharge plea rejected by court

MUMBAI: The Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Court, on Tuesday, rejected the discharge application of Jigna Vora, former deputy bureau chief of a city-based English newspaper and the 11th accused in the murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey.

While rejecting the application, the court observed that there was some evidence against the journalist, which indicated her involvement. The court said the prosecution needs a fair opportunity to lead evidence in the case against her.

Vora was arrested on November 25, 2011 in connec tion with the case. The crime branch had alleged that she had crossed her limit as a journalist to get in touch with underworld don Chhota Rajan. According to the prosecution’s case, Vora instigated Rajan against Dey following which Rajan ordered the killing of the senior scribe.

However, eight months after her arrest, the MCOCA court granted her bail on July 27, 2012 owing to lack of evidence against her. On Tuesday, the court said evidence against Vora had been found. The case has been adjourned until October 21, when the court may frame charges against accused and begin trial