Convict’s family denies even knowing him

MUMBAI: Chandrabhan Sanap’s maternal aunt and other family members told mediapersons on Friday that they did not even know anyone by his name after the 34-year-old was sentenced to death for the rape and murder of software engineer Esther Anuhya. Only one cousin of his and some friends were present outside the court to support him.
Sanap’s neighbours in Kanjurmarg’s Sri Sai Krupa building, who live on the same first floor where he owns a flat which he has rented out, on the other hand, said he should be hanged.“The court’s decision is right. He killed an innocent girl,” said one.
TOI tried to speak to Sanap’s aunt who lives in the same building, but she denied being related to him. Her neighbours, though, said she had broken down on learning of the sentence.
Meanwhile, the building residents, including Sanap’s tenants, have been living in fear of police since his name cropped up in the case.
“For nearly two months, policemen in plain-clothes visited the building and knocked on our door at midnight and early morning, asking for Sanap’s whereabouts. Even a week ago, cops returned to confirm Sanap’s residential address,” said a housewife. Another homemaker said Sanap, his mother, younger brother and sister had lived in the SRA building from 2005 to 2014 when Sanap was sent to jail for an earlier crime. After his release, he raped and killed Esther. “His family continues to lives in the same locality but only visit the flat to collect rent from the tenant. His wife has left them and gone to her parents’ place in Nashik with their seven-year-old daughter,” said a neighbour.