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Journalist Ranjan’s murder suspect seen with RJD strongman Shahabuddin

Police said on Tuesday that they will serve a notice and question Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mohammad Shahabuddin over two absconding suspects in Hindustan journalist Rajdeo Ranjan’s murder in May.

Updated on: Sep 14, 2016, 07:18:42 IST
Hindustan Times | By , Siwan
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Police said on Tuesday that they will question Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mohammad Shahabuddin in connection with two absconding suspects in Hindustan journalist Rajdeo Ranjan’s murder in May.

Kaif, alias Bunty, seen after Shahabuddin’s release from Bhagalpur jail. (TV grab)
Kaif, alias Bunty, seen after Shahabuddin’s release from Bhagalpur jail. (TV grab)

Photos of the two suspects in Shahabuddin’s company emerged in the media after the former Siwan MP’s release from Bhagalpur jail in Bihar last Saturday.

Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan, was shot dead near the Siwan railway station. Sources say Ranjan had written against local politicians on several occasions, evoking death threats from many quarters.

Siwan is the stronghold of Shahabuddin, who faces nearly 40 criminal cases, including those of abduction and murder. Shahabuddin had been in jail for a decade -- before being granted bail by the Patna high court.

“We have taken notice of photographs of suspect Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Javed appearing in newspapers and video footage in the carcade of Shahabuddin from Bhagalpur to Siwan and hectic search is on for them,” Siwan superintendent of police Saurav Kumar Sah said.

Javed and Kaif, alias Bunty, are wanted in connection with hatching a conspiracy against Ranjan, and the two remained at large before being seen in Shahabuddin’s carcade.

Read| Crackers, slogans, cavalcade: Shahabuddin’s ‘unruly’ homecoming under lens

The Siwan SP said a notice will be served to Shahabuddin and he will be questioned about the two suspects.

Meanwhile, Asha Ranjan, the wife of the slain journalist, said she was living in fear.

“I have come to know that he (Bunty) was there. He was also seen in the picture. What else would it require to convince the police about the nexus that led to killing of my husband,” she asked.

“I am already living in fright and now there will be constant trepidation. I fear for my children more.”

(With agency inputs)

  • Avinash Kumar
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Avinash Kumar

    Avinash, a senior correspondent, reports on crime, railways, defence and social sector, with specialisation in police, home department and other investigation agencies.

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