Prof’s murder case cracked

PATNA: Four men who allegedly killed noted historian and Patna University Professor, Papiya Ghosh, have been taken into police custody two weeks after the murder.

The professor and her maid were stabbed to death at Ghosh’s residence in the posh Pataliputra colony, when they tried to resist robbers on December 2. The entire house was ransacked and everything of value, including her car was stolen.

SSP Patna, Kundan Krishnan, said, “We rounded up 15 to 16 people and took their fingerprints before zeroing in on the four who have been held. Ninety per cent of the stolen goods have been recovered.”

However, he says that though they will file a chargesheet very soon, a medical examination will be conducted on the four to find out whether they are juvenile.

On Monday, PM Manmohan Singh called up Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to inquire into the progress of the investigation team. Sources in CM’s office said Dr Singh offered central assistance to expedite the investigation. However, Nitish Kumar turned down the offer.

Ghosh’s murder had triggered widespread protests in Patna’s academic circles. It rocked the Bihar Assembly when Opposition parties disrupted the proceedings on Monday. “We will not let the House progress until a CBI inquiry is made,” said RJD member Rabri Devi.