Sridevi funeral news updates: Police questions Boney Kapoor, hotel staff; body unlikely to reach Mumbai today

Sridevi funeral news updates: Police questions Boney Kapoor, hotel staff; body unlikely to reach Mumbai today

20:10 (IST)

Shah Rukh Khan's Zero will be Sridevi's last film

Sridevi will make her final appearance on silver screen in December in a cameo appearance in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Zero. She shot for her scene last year in October. The legendary actor will be seen playing herself and will share screen space with Karisma Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan.

20:03 (IST)

Shakti Kapoor condoles Sridevi's death, says sad actor couldn't see daughter's debut film 

The saddest part was that she couldn't see her daughter (Jhanvi)'s debut film. My heart goes to entire family. I don't have much info about news of her drowning. I heard she fell into bathtub following a cardiac arrest. I am very sad: Shakti Kapoor #Sridevi pic.twitter.com/zxWKEJo2tN

• 19:59 (IST)

  Dubai Police to record Boney Kapoor's statement on wife's death

  Executive Editor of UAE's Khaleej Times, Vicky Kapur told ABP News that the Dubai Police will record the statement of Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor in connection with her sudden demise. Boney was present in the room where Sridevi died of "accident drowning" and was reportedly the one who first found her lying unconscious in the bath tub. 

    
•  19:56 (IST)

  Now that Dubai Police has released the body for embalming and repatriation, is the probe over? Is it all clear? 

  The answer is a NO. And here’s why:

  The Dubai police, backed by state of the art equipment and a forensic laboratory that is comparable to anything in the world, have a first rate investigative record and have resolved crimes often in hours of their occurring.

  At this moment there is no crime committed but the police will investigate the circumstances that led to Sridevi’s death by drowning. The first step is to send the forensic report to the public prosecutor's office which will assess the merit of the case and then decide on further action. And if they believe that there are persons of interest who can shed light on the issue — whether it concerns the alcohol content in her blood or the reason why the bath tub was reportedly full or even why a friend was called by husband Boney Kapoor rather than the hotel doctor and support staff — they will detain and question anyone they feel can shed light on how she drowned.

  There is no guilt or suspicion and it is only procedure and the answers may well clear the air. . 

  If there is even a shred of doubt or a grey area they will not allow people to leave the country. The police probe is mutually exclusive from the medical report and the body’s release has no bearing on the police taking further steps.

  Much of the mess created in what will now be a trying time for all has been by conjecture. Indian media’s feeding frenzy and the premature conclusion that she died of a cardiac arrest is what has led to the confusion. It would be better to just let the police in Dubai get on with their task and till then a freeze on guesswork would be appropriate.

  The author is a Firstpost coloumnist and former editor of Gulf News and Khaleej Times

    

• The three main questions surrounding Sridevi's death

  The police is still working out the exact circumstances that lead to the 'accidental drowning'. The actor, who was earlier presumed to have died of natural reasons (cardiac arrest), has now been declared dead due to accidental drowning. This raises some questions.

  • If Boney Kapoor forced the bathroom door open at 6.25 pm as reports say, why was the police informed at 9 pm after seeking a Dubai based friend's advice.

  • Why was she not taken to the hosp courtesy the hotel emergency assistance service?

  • Whose version was it telling the world that Sridevi died of a 'massive attack'?

    
• 
  

  Sridevi's phone call records being analysed by investigators

  According to police sources, specific phone call records from 24 to 48 hours before the time of death are being closely looked at by the investigating agencies.  As per the sources, repeated phone calls by one specific individual is said to be the main focus of the probe agencies.

    
• 19:40 (IST)

  Family friend, politician Amar Singh Says Sridevi never consumed hard liquor

  Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh has said that Sridevi never consumed hard liquor and only drank wines on social occassions. He was reacting to reports that traces of alcohol have been found in her blood. 

    
• 19:36 (IST)

  Manish Malhotra tweets his condolence

  "We have seen each other grow professionally and personally. It was amazing to see the roles she blossomed into, her passion for painting, and the doting wife and mother that she was." - @ManishMalhotra#RIPSridevi pic.twitter.com/DvuTgXiO3h

  — ManishMalhotraWorld (@MMalhotraworld) February 26, 2018

    
• 
  

  Boney Kapoor asked to join investigation 

  The Dubai Public Prosecutor has called up Boney Kapoor and the hotel staff to join the investigation. The police is apparently trying to ascertain the exact circumstances that lead to the drowning of the veteran actor. 

    
• 18:45 (IST)

  Delay in return of mortal remains of Sridevi expected

  Further delay in return of mortal remains of Sridevi expected, reports ANI. The report states that the Dubai police, which has given clearance for the return, is still awaiting clearance from the Prosecution magistrate. Indian authorities were informed that the body can only be handed over after a nod from the prosecution magistrate.

    
• 18:40 (IST)

  Working closely with local authorities to expedite return of Sridevi's mortal remains, says Indian Envoy to UAE 

  "Our embassy and consulate are working closely with local authorities to expedite the return of mortal remains of Sridevi and also keeping Kapoor family apprised, it is our endeavour to send mortal remains at earliest," Indian Envoy to UAE Navdeep Suri said to ANI 

  Our embassy and consulate are working closely with local authorities to expedite the return of mortal remains of #Sridevi and also keeping Kapoor family apprised, it is our endeavor to send mortal remains at earliest: Indian Envoy to UAE Navdeep Suri to ANI (file pic) pic.twitter.com/kdHImTc04c

  — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018

    
• 18:33 (IST)

  Authorities say slim chances that the body will be released today: Khaleej Times 

  Meanwhile, Khaleej Times reports that there are slim chances that the body will be released today. The report adds that Boney Kapoor's family and a group of social workers are awaiting approvals for the release from the public prosecutor.   

    
• 18:29 (IST)

  Sridevi's mortal remains should reach India by midnight, says SP leader​ Amar Singh

  #Sridevi ji did not drink hard liquor,she used to have wine sometimes like me& like many others in public life.I have talked to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Al Nahyan, he assured me that all formalities and reports are complete. Her mortal remains should reach India by midnight: Amar Singh pic.twitter.com/dprcBgGGjX

  — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018

    
• 
  

  Films that the veteran actor did with Jeetendra were a mini-industry unto themselves

  Sridevi and Jeetendra together spelt a crackling chemistry and guaranteed box office success, which most actors failed to offer in the 80s. The films that featured the two stars together were solely aimed to entertain the masses. The pair was also instrumental in sort of launching (though unknowingly) a mini-industry unto itself which churned out films in succession and in most cases hit the bull’s eye.

  The format was simple and crisp. A unit of limited people from Mumbai was to be lodged either in Hyderabad or Chennai (depending upon the shoot location) and the technical crew comprising the director and his team of assistants were to be the local. This format spawned a series of film and two actors who benefitted the most from this set up were Sridevi and Jeetendra.

  
  

    
• 18:21 (IST)

  A look back at some of Sridevi's most memorable melodies 

  Remembering Sridevi: A look back at her most memorable melodies. #FPTrending #Sridevi pic.twitter.com/a4KTWTBpgP

  — Firstpost (@firstpost) February 26, 2018

    
• 18:15 (IST)

  Dubai Police confirms Sridevi's demise occurred due to drowning in her hotel apartment’s bathtub following the loss of consciousness

  As reported earlier, the Dubai Police also said that the case has been transferred to the Dubai Public Prosecution, which will carry out regular legal procedures followed in such cases.

  
  
  Following the completion of post-mortem analysis, #DubaiPolice today stated that the death of Indian actress #Sridevi occurred due to drowning in her hotel apartment’s bathtub following loss of consciousness.
  
  1/2 pic.twitter.com/xqKQu3WzAd

  — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) February 26, 2018

  #DubaiPolice has transferred the case to #Dubai Public Prosecution, which will carry out regular legal procedures followed in such cases.
  
  2/2

  — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) February 26, 2018

    
• 18:02 (IST)

  Sridevi's body may not come back tonight; repatriation experts say 3 more papers needed: CNN-News 18

  CNN-News 18 reported that three more papers are needed to finish the repatriation process and it is not normal for Dubai authorities to release any papers after 4.00-4.30 pm (6.00 pm IST). In this case they may make an exception because a celebrity is involved but the chances that the body may be repatriated today appear slim. 

    
• Bikram Vohra, consulting editor 17:50 (IST)

  Now that Dubai Police has released the body for embalming and repatriation, is the probe over? Is it all clear? 

  The answer is a NO. And here’s why:

  The Dubai police, backed by state of the art equipment and a forensic laboratory that is comparable to anything in the world, have a first rate investigative record and have resolved crimes often in hours of their occurring.

  At this moment there is no crime committed but the police will investigate the circumstances that led to Sridevi’s death by drowning. The first step is to send the forensic report to the public prosecutor's office which will assess the merit of the case and then decide on further action. And if they believe that there are persons of interest who can shed light on the issue — whether it concerns the alcohol content in her blood or the reason why the bath tub was reportedly full or even why a friend was called by husband Boney Kapoor rather than the hotel doctor and support staff — they will detain and question anyone they feel can shed light on how she drowned.

  There is no guilt or suspicion and it is only procedure and the answers may well clear the air. . 

  If there is even a shred of doubt or a grey area they will not allow people to leave the country. The police probe is mutually exclusive from the medical report and the body’s release has no bearing on the police taking further steps.

  Much of the mess created in what will now be a trying time for all has been by conjecture. Indian media’s feeding frenzy and the premature conclusion that she died of a cardiac arrest is what has led to the confusion. It would be better to just let the police in Dubai get on with their task and till then a freeze on guesswork would be appropriate.

  The author is a Firstpost coloumnist and former editor of Gulf News and Khaleej Times

    
• 17:42 (IST)

  Arjun Kapoor, Anshula Kapoor reach Anil Kapoor's residence to pay their condolence    

    
• 17:39 (IST)

  Dubai public prosecutor questioning immediate family members in Dubai: CNN-News 18

  The Dubai public prosecutor is currently questioning the immediate family members of Sridevi about the circumstances around the actor's death. Police have said that no foul play is suspected but a investigation is still on. The police is investigating who was with the actor around the time of the accident. 

    
• 17:32 (IST)

  'Sridevi treated makeup artists, others as family'

  Subhash Shinde, who did Sridevi's make-up at actor Mohit Marwahs marriage in Dubai last week, says the late actress had "so much warmth and positivity" and always treated everyone, including make-up artistes, present on a film's set like a family.

  "I still cannot believe she is no more. I was there in Dubai with her for her make-up at Mohit Marwah's (her nephew) marriage. She was looking so pretty, happy and bright as ever. I came back two days ago, and on Saturday late night the news started coming in (about her death). I am still in shock," Shinde told IANS.

  "She was one of the icons with so much warmth and positivity. I started working with her after ‘English Vinglish' released (2012). She always treated, all of us, whether make-up artistes, dress people, everyone... like a family. We were one unit."

  Shinde said she would ask him if he ate on time and how his family was doing.

  IANS

    
• 17:25 (IST)

  Dubai Police transfers case to Dubai Public Prosecution

  Dubai Police has transferred the case to Dubai Public Prosecution, which will carry out regular legal procedures followed in such cases.

  — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 26, 2018

    
• 17:23 (IST)

  Authorities say Sridevi drowned following loss of consciousness   

  Following the completion of post-mortem analysis, @DubaiPoliceHQtoday stated that the death of Indian actress Sridevi occurred due to drowning in her hotel apartment’s bathtub following loss of consciousness.

  — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 26, 2018

    
• 17:13 (IST)

  Investigation underway to determine circumstances surrounding 'accidental drowning' 

  The exact circumstances that lead to the accidental drowning are not yet clear. CNN-News 18 reported that the forensic reports only said that accidental drowning caused the death but the reasons or causes which led to the accident are unclear. The news channel also said that a caridac arrest cannot be ruled out and may have led to the accident. 

    
• 17:04 (IST)

  Sridevi's body released by Dubai police for embalming

  Sridevi's body has been released for the 90-minute process of embalming. Her body will soon be moved to the Al Muhaisana embalming unit and will be repatriated to India at the earliest.

  #Update: #Sridevi's body has been released for embalming, reports Gulf News

  — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018

    
• 17:01 (IST)

  Sridevi died of accidental drowning, reveals autopsy report; traces of alcohol found in blood sample

  Quoting the forensic and autopsy reports of the actor, Gulf News reported that Sridevi died due to accidental drowning in the bath tub of her hotel room. However, the exact circumstances that lead to the "drowning" are not yet clear. 

  The Dubai-based news paper, however, said that the Sridevi was under the influence of alcohol because of which she may have lost her balance and she fell into the bathtub. Reports confirmed that her blood stream has shown traces of alcohol. 

• 16:42 (IST)

  Death Certificate states cause of death as accidental drowning

  Image Credit: Gulf News

  

    
• 16:04 (IST)

  Sridevi getting ready for dinner with husband when she suffered cardiac arrest

  As anxious crowds milled around her Mumbai home and stars visited the family to pay their condolences, a Dubai paper reported that Bollywood superstar Sridevi was getting ready for dinner with husband Boney Kapoor when she suffered a cardiac arrest. Boney and Sridevi, 54, were in Dubai to attend nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding.

  On Saturday, Boney, who produced Mr India, which gave Sridevi one of her most remembered roles, flew back to Dubai to surprise his wife with a dinner, the paper reported.

  He reached the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel around 5.30pm (Dubai time) and woke her up and they chatted for about 15 minutes, the report said.

  Sridevi then went to the bathroom to get ready. When she didn't come out for 15 minutes, Boney knocked on the door. He did not get any response and forced open the door, to find her lying motionless in the bathtub that was full of water.

  "He tried to revive her and when he could not, he called a friend of his. After that, he informed the police at 9 pm," Khaleej Times quoted a source as saying. The police and paramedics rushed to the site, but she was pronounced dead. 

  PTI

    
• 15:58 (IST)

  Akshara, Shruti Hassan reach at Anil Kapoor's residence to pay condolences

    
• 15:47 (IST)

  Indian officials reach Bur Dubai police station

  According to CNN-News 18, Indian Embassy officials and family members of Sridevi have reached the Bur Dubai police station with the forensic report on the causes of her death. The police sources also said that Dubai police will soon hand over the body to Indian authorities for further procedures. 

    
• 15:34 (IST)

  Forensic reports released to Sridevi's family: Gulf News

  According to a report in Gulf News, the forensic report of the veteran actor has been handed over to her family and an embassy official. The reports haven't been opened yet.

  "It has been sent to the Bur Dubai police station. Both the representatives have gone to the police station with it. Once it is opened by Dubai Police and the information revealed to them, then the next step for the process of repatriation will be decided," the news report claimed.

    
• 15:23 (IST)

  Dubai Police rule out foul play, say death certificate to be issued soon

  According to CNN-News 18, the Dubai Police has ruled out foul play in the veteran actor's death. Police sources told the news channel that it would take three more hours to complete all formalities on its end, which includes giving an NOC and a local police visa for the repatriation of the body. The death certificate, however, is expected shortly.

  

    
• 15:06 (IST)

  Madhuri Dixit, Sriram Nene reach at Anil Kapoor's residence

  @MadhuriDixit and Dr. Nene at @AnilKapoor's residence to pay their condolences #Sridevi #RIPSridevi #srideviji #srideviBkapoor 
  PC @raul_vinayMT @mataonline pic.twitter.com/qBQ756jOub

  — MumbaiTimes (@MumbaiTimesMT) February 26, 2018

    
• 15:02 (IST)

  Indian consulate officials say paperwork to conclude by 3.30 pm: Khaleej Times

  The Dubai-based news agency reported that Indian consulate have said the paperwork and all formalities are expected to conclude by 3.30 pm IST after which the Indian side can begin the procedure of bringing Sridevi's mortal remains home. 

  The report further said that the embassy official and Saurabh Malhotra, a relative of the Kapoor family, who were called inside the morgue earlier have been asked to leave and come back by 3.30 pm. 

    
• 14:53 (IST)

  Indian consulate to cancel Sridevi's passport after receiving autopsy report

  As part of the normal procedure, if a foreign national dies outside a hospital in Dubai, a police case has to be registered and an investigation is launched. 

  As per procedure, the body is first kept in the morgue at Al Qusais. After forensic examination, the body is handed over to the police, who issue a clearance after recieving the autopsy report. A death certificate is given and after that the police clears a visa for the deceased peron and subsequently, the Indian consulate in Dubai cancels their passport, issues a death certificate as well as a no-objection certificate. 

    
• 14:36 (IST)

  Sridevi and family were in Dubai for a marriage

  Sridevi, Boney, and their younger daughter Khushi Kapoor were in Ras Al Khaimah last week to celebrate the wedding of her actor-nephew Mohit Marwah. Boney had returned to Mumbai after the wedding, but decided to return to Dubai to "surprise" his wife.

    
• 14:31 (IST)

  Latest updates from Dubai

  According to Khaleej Times, an official from the Indian Consulate, accompanied by a family member, has been called inside the morgue. The report also adds that Dubai Forensic Department officials have ruled out a second autopsy on Sridevi's body.  

    
• 14:25 (IST)

  Lost out on going to school, college, said Sridevi

  In an interview with The New Indian Express in 2013, Sridevi spoke of missing out on a carefree childhood when she began working as an actor. 

  "I lost out on going to school and college life but I got into the film industry and worked without a gap -- from child actor I went straight to heroine. There was no time to think and I was grateful for it," she said.

  "In order to get something you have to lose something. You can't have everything in life. So I am happy with what I got." 

    
• 14:18 (IST)

  RECAP: Song shoot of Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor's 102 Not Out cancelled as a mark of respect

  Director Umesh Shukla says the shooting for the song titled 'Baadduummbaaa' for his upcoming film 102 Not Out was called off on 25 February due to the sudden demise of cine icon Sridevi. 

  According to sources, the shooting for the song was scheduled to start on 25 February with actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. The song has been composed by Big B.

  When IANS contacted him, Shukla said: "Yes as a mark of respect to the sudden and untimely demise of our legendary actress Sridevi, we decided to cancel our today's song shoot of 102 Not Out. May God give peace to her soul and strength to her family."

    
• 14:15 (IST)

  Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan reminisce about the actress, her prodigious talent

  "Sridevi Kapoor's astounding talent was not luck. It was well deserved and she worked for it from her childhood. I've known her from her teens. She was still a child when she came to work with me and Mr Balachander, my mentor, who sometimes gave me the responsibility of working with her, correcting her acting and shaping even her dance moves. When she came, she was not as talented as she later emerged out to be. But she learned every day. I was astounded by her climb. And every step of it, she worked for," said Haasan.

  Addressing the reporters in Chennai, Rajinikanth said, "Today morning only I got to know the news. I'm still not able to believe it's true. I'm yet to come terms with the sudden death of Sridevi ji. It's quite shocking. Boney Kapoor and I went for a dinner in Chennai only three months back. She's a very close friend and our friendship was 40 years long since she acted in my second film."

  Read full report here

    
• 14:05 (IST)

  After Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan to reach Mumbai shortly

  Kamal Haasan will be leaving for Mumbai by the 3:25 pm Jet Airways flight. He is going to meet Mr Boney Kapoor and family, his publicist reveals. 

    
• 14:02 (IST)

  Forensic report confirms Sridevi suffered heart attack

  The Times of India is reporting that forensic doctors in Dubai have concluded that Sridevi died of a heart attack. The report adds that there is nothing suspicious about the way the superstar passed away, official sources told the media outlet as saying. 

    
• 13:57 (IST)

  Senior journalist Zakka Jacob raises a pertinent point

  Sadly, none of the Delhi papers have even one article on #Sridevi's immense body of work in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada. Not one article. Is that too much to ask for? She was already a Superstar before even she set foot in #Bollywood. #RIPSridevi

  — Zakka Jacob (@Zakka_Jacob) February 26, 2018

    
• 13:54 (IST)

  Delay continues

  Khaleej Times is reporting that Sridevi's body is still in the morgue and the body may not be released soon. The report says that no exceptions have been made in the case due to Sridevi celebritiy status and the results will come out depending on the nature of the case. 

    
• 13:47 (IST)

  Fans gather outside forensics dept to catch final glimpses of Sridevi

  #LiveUpdates on Sridevi's death: It has been 36 hours since actor #Sridevi has died, and fans have gathered yet again at the forensics department in the hope of catching a glimpse of the late superstar. - https://t.co/lZnQAy6tUA pic.twitter.com/G2nPvBRFyW

  — Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) February 26, 2018

    
• 13:20 (IST)

  Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar reach Anil Kapoor's residence

  Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra arrive at the residence of Anil Kapoor in Mumbai. #Sridevi pic.twitter.com/LAI6gaaOjY

  — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018

    
• 13:17 (IST)

  Reports of toxicology tests can lead to further delay in sending the body back

  The toxicology reports of tests done on blood and organs of Sridevi are expected to reveal the exact cause of her death. If the reports do not conclusively confirm a natural cause such as the reported heart attack, there will be further investigations which would mean even more delays for sending her body home, sources told Gulf News. 

  
  

    
• 13:15 (IST)

  Sridevi will be seen for the last time in Shah Rukh Khan's Zero 

  Sridevi will be seen on the big screen for the last time with Shah Rukh Khan in Zero. Sridevi has a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif starrer Zero. 

    
• 13:10 (IST)

  Farhan Akhtar, Saroj Khan at Anil Kapoor's residence

  #Mumbai: Actor Farhan Akhtar and his mother Honey Irani arrive at the residence of Anil Kapoor #Sridevi pic.twitter.com/zcK4Ah9sTc

  — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018

  I still can't believe it. We can't believe it. We all loved her. I can't say anything else: Choreographer Saroj Khan on #Sridevipic.twitter.com/R0DUbt4E20

  — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018

    
• 13:04 (IST)

  What Sridevi's Chandni co-star Rishi Kapoor writes about the actress in his memoir, Khullam Khulla

  ​

  Rishi in his book fondly recalls his first meeting with the versatile actress when he met her on the sets of Harmesh Malhotra’s Nagina. It was also an era when Sridevi was one from a lot of actors who were slightly reluctant to work with him because of he'd had a string of failures in Dosti Dushmani, Ek Chadar Maili Si and Sitamgar. Sridevi, on the other hand, had just delivered a super success with Karma. Rishi Kapoor candidly admits that he had hit a plateau at that time but she was gracious enough to work with him in Nagina.

http://www.indiabestblog.com/