UP ex-MLA acquitted in witness murder case

A special court on Saturday acquitted former Uttar Pradesh legislator Udai Bhan Singh on charges of killing an eye witness who was set to depose against him in another murder case.

A special court on Saturday acquitted former Uttar Pradesh legislator Udai Bhan Singh on charges of killing an eye witness who was set to depose against him in another murder case.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special judge Praveen Singh, who pronounced the verdict in a packed courtroom, said, "All accused acquitted of all charges."

He added that Singh must furnish personal bonds of Rs 50,000.

Shortly after the verdict was announced, two accused fell prostate on the Dias to thank the judge.

Singh, who is already serving a life sentence for the murder of Vakeel Shukhla, was produced in court flanked by police officials.

He was acquitted along with five other people of criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and intimidation.

The other accused -- Santosh Singh, Vinod Kumar Singh and Bashir Khan -- died during the pendency of the trial whole another accused, Kallu, had earlier been declared a proclaimed offender.

The prosecution had said Udai Bhan Singh, in collusion with others, entered into a criminal conspiracy to eliminate Rakesh Pandey, a witness in the murder of Vakeel Shukla and two others in Gopiganj, before he could give evidence in court against them.

Pandey was shot dead allegedly by Santosh Singh on February 17, 2003.

Currently serving life sentence in the Shukla murder case, Udai Bhan Singh is lodged in Fatehgarh jail in Uttar Pradesh.