New Delhi: A pair of chappals became a key factor in a Delhi court’s decision to deny bail to a man accused in a premeditated shooting case, with the court finding that CCTV footage showed him wearing slippers matching those seen during his movements before and after the crime.Additional sessions judge Hargurvinder Singh Jaggi observed that the “commonality of wearing slippers” linked accused Neeraj’s movements on the day of the incident, forming a “continuous, unbroken chain of physical and visual evidence”.The case relates to a March 18 shooting in JJ Colony, Khanpur, in which Rajesh alias Bunty suffered three gunshot injuries. According to the prosecution, co-accused Praveen allegedly opened fire while Neeraj rode the getaway motorcycle. Investigators claimed Neeraj helped plan the attack, arranged logistics and later disposed of evidence before fleeing to Goa. He was arrested on March 21.Seeking bail, the defence argued that the accused could not be clearly identified in CCTV footage as the assailants were wearing helmets, masks and raincoats. It also contended that no weapon or other incriminating material had been recovered from him and sought parity with a co-accused who had already been granted bail.The court, however, rejected the plea, noting that CCTV footage captured Neeraj wearing slippers that matched those seen during his earlier movements. It also took note of allegations that he abandoned the motorcycle, discarded the raincoats and helmets, and threw the firearm into Chirag Delhi drain.Rejecting the plea for parity, the court said Neeraj’s alleged role as the getaway rider, his presence at the crime scene, destruction of evidence and subsequent flight to Goa distinguished his case from that of the co-accused. The court also cited the gravity of the offence and the possibility of witness intimidation while denying bail.
