Rajdeo Ranjan murder case: CBI takes over investigations after Bihar government recommendations

CBI has taken over investigations in the murder of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan as it registered a case on Thursday against unknown assailants.

The move comes four months after Bihar Government recommended a CBI into the murder of Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan—a Hindi daily. A team of agency sleuths will leave shortly for Siwan, the sources said.

The sources said name of former RJD MP Shahbuddin who has been released recently on bail was under the scanner of Bihar Police which was probing the case till recently. The case has again come into limelight as a photograph appeared of absconding suspects Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Javed with Shahbuddin after his release from Bhagalpur jail on Saturday last on bail granted by Patna High Court.

They said it is suspected that the killing was the handiwork of some influential persons.  CBI sources said they have taken over the investigation in the murder case which has been registered under the IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy, murder and arms act.

According to the rules, CBI takes over same FIR which has been registered by the state police. However, the sources said, the investigation of the agency are completely free and it may arrive at any conclusion which may or may not be in concurrence with the state police.

“The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case under section 302, 120-B, 34 of IPC and section 27 of Arms Act against unknown assailants relating to alleged murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan on the request of Bihar Government and further notification from Government of India,” CBI Spokesperson said.

She said CBI has taken over the investigation of the said case which was earlier registered vide FIR no. 362/2016 dated May 13, 2016 at Police Station Siwan town, Bihar on a complaint from wife of deceased.

The state government had issued a notification requesting the CBI to take over the investigation of the murder case on May 16.