Stunned over Pallavi's death: Excel Entertainment officials

Murdered woman 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 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 Thursday by Sajjad Ahmed Mughal, a watchman at her apartment block in central Mumbai. He allegedly slit her throat Thursday as she rebuked him.

"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 Saturday remanded Mughal in police custody till Aug 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.