Significantly, the judge remarked that "even the statements of the witnesses stating how desperately this accused was trying to contact Chhota Rajan are concerned, if the period mentioned in those statements is considered, that will fall short in support of allegation of transgressing her limits as journalist".
The forensic reports do not support the allegation that Vora sent any information about Dey, a fellow scribe, to Rajan, the court said.
Though the result of forensic analysis was awaited, considering the time lapsed after seizure of her phones, the court was not inclined to reject the bail application on that ground alone, the judge said. "Sufficient time was there at the disposal of the prosecution," said judge.
The court also said that the mere fact that Vora was not in town at the time of Dey's murder (June 11, 2011), that could not be said to be an incriminating circumstance.
Vora, the deputy Chief of Bureau of a city-based English newspaper, was arrested on November 25 last year.
Police's theory is that fugitive gangster Chhota Rajan ordered Dey's murder because he was upset with certain articles written by the senior journalist.
Vora is accused of passing on key information such the registration number of Dey's motorcycle and his address to Rajan. (More)