Deshpande death: Mumbai Police conclude investigation

Mumbai Crime branch officials investigating the alleged suicide of Tata Steel's former Chief of Corporate Communication, Charudutta Deshpande, today concluded investigation after four days.

"The statements of 25 officials of Tata Steel have been recorded. We have verified documents during the last four days. However, we will come again, if required," Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Devraj said.

The team will return to Mumbai and analyse the statements and documents, he said.
The investing team comprised of officers of Mumbai Crime Branch and Thane Rural police.

They visited several departments including Human Resources, Vigilance, Managing Director's office, Chamria Guest House where Deshpande used to stay during his tenure as Chief of Corporate Communication of the company.

"Several officials of Vice-President rank including Deputy Vice-President (Corporate Services) Sunil Bhaskaran were interrogated for hours. Head of Ethic Counselor was also grilled," Devraj said.

The Investigating team from Mumbai began their investigation into the Deshpande's suicide on Monday and recorded statements of officials of Corporate Communication from Jamshedpur, Odisha and Kolkata, Vice-President ranked officials including Deputy Vice-president (Corporate services) Sunil Bhaskaran, Farzan Heerjee, Chief of Corporate Relations were also questioned during the course.

Earlier, Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil had ordered Mumbai Crime Branch chief Himanshu Roy to probe the alleged suicide of Deshpande following which the officer's team has begun a parallel investigation into the case.

Deshpande (57), was found hanging at his Vasai home on June 28. No suicide note was found. His friends and former colleagues alleged that he had been harassed.

A case had been registered at Vasai police station. There were allegations that Deshpande committed suicide following harassment by the employees of Tata Steel, where he had worked.

A parallel departmental inquiry has been ordered by Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry into the circumstances leading to Deshpande's death.