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Indian Bollywood actor and director Farhan Akhtar pose as they arrive for the "7th Apsara Awards" ceremony in Mumbai on January 25, 2012. AFP PHOTO/STR Image Credit: AFP

Murdered lawyer Pallavi Purkyashtha, who worked as a legal adviser at Farhan Akhtar’s production company Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd, was a “friend” and an “integral part” of the company, said an official statement issued on Saturday.

“We are stunned by this incident. Pallavi was an integral part of our team and a friend to all in the company,” read the statement from the banner, which has produced films like Lakshya, Rock On!!, Don: The Chase Begins, Don 2: The King Is Back and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Purkayastha, 25, was murdered on Thursday by Sajjad Ahmad Mughal, a watchman at her apartment block in central Mumbai. “We pray her family finds the strength to overcome their grief and we hope the person or people behind this horrific crime are brought to justice immediately. Rest in peace, Pallavi,” the statement read further.

A Mumbai magistrate court on Saturday remanded Mughal in police custody until August 17. He will be questioned further.

Purkayastha stayed with her boyfriend Avik Sengupta, also a lawyer, who found her murdered early Thursday.

Puryakastha was the daughter of Delhi-based Indian Administrative Service (IAS) official Atanu Puryakastha.