Chargesheet In Siwan Scribe Murder Case In Two Weeks: CBI To SC

The CBI today told the Supreme Court that the chargesheet in the murder of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan of Siwan will be filed in two weeks.

The investigative agency told a bench of justices Dipak Misra and A M Khanwilkar: “The investigation in the case is at an advanced stage. A final report will be filed before the trial court within two weeks”.

When the bench then asked the advocate representing petitioner Asha Ranjan, who is the wife of the slain scribe, whether he had any objection to the CBI seeking more time for hearing of the matter,  Advocate Kislay Pandey, appearing for the petitioner, said his only prayer was for registration of FIR against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav, whose photograph was published in media with an alleged sharp-shooter close to Shahabuddin, and Superintendent of Police Siwan district for purportedly not taking any action in the matter. The CBI counsel said all these aspects would be looked into after the final report was filed before the trial court.

The court, which had earlier ordered shifting of Shahabuddin who is facing trial in around 45 criminal cases from Siwan Jail in Bihar to Tihar Jail here, listed the matter for hearing on September 18.

The apex court had earlier said that it would examine the plea seeking the lodging of FIR against Tej Pratap Yadav. It had ordered shifting of Shahabuddin from Bihar's Siwan prison to Tihar Jail here to ensure free and fair trial in the cases lodged against him.