Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's son and Bihar Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav on Friday attempted to downplay the Supreme Court notice in connection with the murder of Siwan journalist Rajdeo Ranjan and cornered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Yadav said that notice should also be served to the BJP leaders, who are in the same frame with the accused, in this case.
"So many people take pictures with me, we don't know everyone. Do we? They don't have it written on their faces," he said.
Earlier in the day, the apex court directed the CBI to proceed with the investigation in the slain journalist's murder case and directed the Bihar Police to provide protection to his family.
An apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra also issued notices and sought response from Tej Pratap, RJD strongman Shahabuddin and the Bihar Government on the plea of Ranjan's wife seeking transfer of the case from Siwan in Bihar to Delhi.
The apex court directed the CBI to file a status report of its investigation on October 17, which is the next date of hearing.
The journalist's wife Asha had moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of probe and trial in the case to Delhi alleging that media reports had shown two absconding killers of her husband in the company of recently-released RJD leader and the Bihar Health Minister.
The scribe, working with a vernacular daily, was shot dead on the evening of May 13 in Siwan town by some sharp- shooters allegedly at the instance of Shahabuddin.
Kislay Pandey, the lawyer appearing for the petitioner, said the apex court was made aware of the politico-criminal nexus working in Bihar.
"The Supreme Court has directed the law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and security of Ranjan's family. The CBI hasn't conducted the investigation as yet. The court has taken cognizance," he told the media.
Five shots were fired at the bureau chief of the Hindi daily Hindustan from extremely close range near Siwan's railway station.
Ranjan, a journalist with over 20 years of experience, was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
