Look out notice against Sohrabs in air force officer's death

Kolkata police on Thursday issued a look out notice against Ambia Sohrab, Sambia Sohrab and their father former Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Mohammed Sohrab, who are absconding after a speeding car reportedly owned by them killed an Air Force officer during a Republic Day parade rehearsal in Kolkata.

The look out notice was issued after the trio were found "absconding" from their residence at Jorasanko area in the city, a senior police officer said.

"Because they are absconding since Wednesday's mishap and we could not find them till Thursday afternoon, this look out notice has been issued," the officer said.

Kolkata Police sleuths have meanwhile seized Ambia's passport during a raid of one the Sohrab residence, the officer said.

The police have so far have raided five houses belonging to the Sohrabs and one of their hotels on Kyd Street in search of the trio.

Sources in Kolkata Police told PTI that reports from the South Police Division as well as from the Traffic department on the incident were submitted to Kolkata Police Commissioner Surajit Kar Purkayastha during the day.

"On Wednesday the CP had asked for a detailed report. DC South and DC Traffic prepared report on the Red Road mishap and submitted it this afternoon," the source said.

A 22-member team was set up by the CP on Thursday to speed up investigation into the mishap in which 21-year-old corporal Abhimanyu Gaud was hit and killed by a brand new Audi on Wednesday after breaking three guard rails and barging into the parade rehearsal.

The car dragged Gaud more than 20 metre after hitting him and he died due to blood loss.

Meanwhile, the forensic report of the car suggested that it was travelling at a high speed of around 90 km -110 km per hour when it barged through the guard rails and hit the Air Force official.

During investigation it was found that the Audi was yet to get the registration number and was delivered to the Sohrabs with a Trade Certificate number.

"As per showroom records, the car has been registered against a company which belongs to Mohammed Sohrab. The records also show that the car purchased for Rs 90 lakh belonged to Sohrab's son Ambia Sohrab," a Kolkata police officer had said on Wednesday.

The Regional Transport office sent a showcause notice to the dealer during the day asking why the vehicle was delivered to the customer with the TC number.

"The TC number is strictly meant for use by motor dealers. The dealer can use it while transporting the vehicle from the manufacturing unit to the store or garage. But the dealer has delivered the vehicle with it to the customer which is illegal," an officer at the regional transport office said.

"We have send the dealer a showcause notice which they have to reply within seven days," he added.

Air Force officials have told police that only one person was in the speeding car which knocked down and killed the young officer.

"Our eyewitnesses saw that there was only one person in the car. We have told this to the police and are sharing all clues we have with us to help them find the culprit quickly," an Air Force official told PTI.

Defence officials said they are also scanning cameras located on the gates of FortWilliam, headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, to find more clues.

The Air Force is also conducting its own departmental inquiry into the incident.

A team of Army and Air Force personnel conducted a solemn parade at the Command Hospital in Kolkata in the early hours on Thursday to bid farewell to the officer.

Wreaths were placed on the coffin by police, Army and Air Force officers before it was put on an Army vehicle and taken to the airport for the flight to Mumbai and further on by road to Surat from where Gaud hailed.

Gaud's elder brother, father, uncle and his teacher since childhood days came from Gujarat to take the body.

The officer's brother Bajrangi Gaud said his soul will find peace only if the culprit is punished.