The police arrested four people in connection with the killing of a journalist in Bihar on Saturday. The arrests have been made in the state’s Araria district. The search is ongoing for two more accused in the case.
The incident of a journalist’s killing had taken took place yesterday in the Raniganj Bazaar area. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called it a dukhad (sad) incident. He had directed officials to investigate the crime immediately. "How can a journalist be killed like this," he had said.
Killing of a journalist in Bihar:
Vimal Kumar Yadav, 35, worked for a Hindi daily. He was killed at his residence in Premnagar village. "The assailants knocked at the gates of Yadav's house around 5.30 am and opened fire as soon as he opened the gates," the Bihar Police said. Yadav died on the spot, where the district police chief and the SHO of Raniganj, the police station concerned, rushed upon hearing the news.
"The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. An investigation is underway. Forensic experts and the dog squad have been called in. The deceased was said to be involved in an old dispute with a neighbour. All angles are being probed into," the PTI had quoted a senior police official in its report.
Opposition Corners Govt:
The opposition lashed out at the government and claimed the incident showed "democracy is in danger in Bihar".
"Criminals are roaming freely while innocent citizens, including journalists, and even police personnel are being killed in Bihar," alleged state BJP president Samrat Choudhary.
"What has happened in Araria is, indeed, tragic. But such incidents have become the norm since the 'ghamandia' (arrogant) Mahagathbandhan led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad formed the government in the state," said the BJP leader whose party shared power in the state till a year ago.
Former Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan, who has realigned with the BJP-led NDA, said, "Nitish Kumar and his allies keep shouting that democracy is under attack in Bihar. But they are unable to protect the fourth estate."
Referring to the killing of a police officer recently in Samastipur, Paswan said, "The common Bihari gave up all hopes from Nitish Kumar long back. But his government cannot protect even the police and the press."
