South Delhi police failed to solve the murder mystery of super-rich BSP leader Deepak Bharadwaj, 62, even after prolonged investigation. Despite the arrest of the four in connection with the case, cops are yet to come up with new clues. The main conspirator is still unknown and has been absconding so far.
According to the source, the last location of Mahant Pratibhanand, one of the absconding accused in the multi-layered conspiracy, has been traced to Bihar’s Patna. ‘There is a possibility that Pratibhanand has been hiding in Patna after changing his appearance. Pratibhanand had long beard, hair and mustache. But he had allegedly started wearing jeans and t-shirt and glasses in order to escape the cops,’ the source added.
In another probe, it has been revealed that one Pradeep, who had supplied the weapons to the accused, had introduced Purushottam Rana, the main shooter of Pratibhanand. Also, it has been confirmed by the source that the plan to kill Bharadwaj was put in place in October 2012.
‘Though it is not yet clear whether the main conspirator is Pratibhanand or whether a close aide of Bharadwaj gave the contract of his murder to him,’ the officer added. According to police sources, the media coverage tipped-off Pratibhanand of his wanted status and he has allegedly changed his appearance.
The officials claim that Pratibhanand, who was one of the conspirators, knew that after the murder of the real estate tycoon, he could land up in trouble. Thus, after the initial planning, he had made arrangements to hide from the cops. Apparently, he had applied for a passport about six months ago.
‘Pratibhanand’s passport verification form has been recovered from Haridawar during one of the raids conducted at his possible hide-outs,’ the official said. During investigation it came to light that Pratibhanand got in touch with his family during Diwali. In 2006-07, Pratibhanand came to Delhi and became a yoga teacher in outer Delhi.
Two days before the shoot-out, Pratibhanand had left Delhi and went to Haridwar. When he came to know that he was wanted by the police, he stayed in an ashram in Indore for four days with one Ashwani, who was earlier detained by the cops. ‘We have checked Pratibhanand’s three bank accounts to get some information about the money saved in his accounts but found hardly any money in them,’ the official said.
Cops have asked Bhardwaj’s family not to leave Delhi without informing them as they continue to remain under the scanner.
According to the source, the last location of Mahant Pratibhanand, one of the absconding accused in the multi-layered conspiracy, has been traced to Bihar’s Patna. ‘There is a possibility that Pratibhanand has been hiding in Patna after changing his appearance. Pratibhanand had long beard, hair and mustache. But he had allegedly started wearing jeans and t-shirt and glasses in order to escape the cops,’ the source added.
In another probe, it has been revealed that one Pradeep, who had supplied the weapons to the accused, had introduced Purushottam Rana, the main shooter of Pratibhanand. Also, it has been confirmed by the source that the plan to kill Bharadwaj was put in place in October 2012.
‘Though it is not yet clear whether the main conspirator is Pratibhanand or whether a close aide of Bharadwaj gave the contract of his murder to him,’ the officer added. According to police sources, the media coverage tipped-off Pratibhanand of his wanted status and he has allegedly changed his appearance.
The officials claim that Pratibhanand, who was one of the conspirators, knew that after the murder of the real estate tycoon, he could land up in trouble. Thus, after the initial planning, he had made arrangements to hide from the cops. Apparently, he had applied for a passport about six months ago.
‘Pratibhanand’s passport verification form has been recovered from Haridawar during one of the raids conducted at his possible hide-outs,’ the official said. During investigation it came to light that Pratibhanand got in touch with his family during Diwali. In 2006-07, Pratibhanand came to Delhi and became a yoga teacher in outer Delhi.
Two days before the shoot-out, Pratibhanand had left Delhi and went to Haridwar. When he came to know that he was wanted by the police, he stayed in an ashram in Indore for four days with one Ashwani, who was earlier detained by the cops. ‘We have checked Pratibhanand’s three bank accounts to get some information about the money saved in his accounts but found hardly any money in them,’ the official said.
Cops have asked Bhardwaj’s family not to leave Delhi without informing them as they continue to remain under the scanner.