E-Paper
1,300 SUVs reach Bhagalpur ahead of Shahabuddin’s release
SIWAN: Four-time RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin is set to be given a hero’s welcome as he steps out of prison after 11 years.
SIWAN: Four-time RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin is set to be given a hero’s welcome as he steps out of prison after 11 years.
Facing around 35 charges of crime, including murder and attempt to murder, Shahabuddin will be released after getting bail in most cases for want of evidence. He was convicted in seven cases.
However, to RJD supporters, the bail is no less than acquittal’ for a man who held sway in Siwan for a long time and stood behind the party like a rock in difficult times.
Not surprisingly, his release is set to be a big show of strength for the party and his supporters. According to sources, all the hotels and circuit houses are booked in advance in both Bhagalpur and his native place, Siwan, as supporters gear up to give him a grand welcome.
“Let’s see how many of the top RJD leaders and ministers reach here. Nobody would like to miss this opportunity,” said a local Siwan leader. Currently in Bhagalpur jail, Shahabuddin is likely to be released on Saturday.
“We have already filed the bail bond on Friday. It would be communicated to the Siwan jail, where he was originally lodged,” said Shahabuddin’s counsel, Abhay Kumar Rajan. The number of vehicles in which leaders and supporters have come to Bhagalpur has already started disrupting traffic.
For police, the challenge is as big as the one they faced during the arrest of Shahabuddin in 2005 from Delhi. This time, it is the crowd management that will be a problem.
“We have to make sure that things don’t go out of hand, as we can not estimate the number of people who would be there. There will be a fleet of vehicles following Shahabuddin to his native place, Pratapur. Traffic control will be a big task, as we are getting reports that 1,300 SUVs have reached Bhagalpur,” said a police officer.
Security arrangements have been boosted. “We are keeping a close watch and pat rolling has been intensified as miscreants may try to disturb peace. There will be security at all intersection sand roads ,” said Siwan SP Saurav Kumar Shah.
