Bihar govt to recommend CBI probe into rape and murder case

PATNA: In a swift action, the Bihar government on Thursday decided to hand over to CBI the case of alleged rape and murder of a woman, which had led journalists to query JD(U) MLA Anant Singh triggering a brutal assault on them.

The move to hand over the case to the Central agency was an apparent bid to blunt the opposition RJD demand for handing over to CBI the probe into the attack on mediapersons.

"The state Home Secretary has been asked to recommend a CBI probe into the alleged rape and murder of a woman by Anant Singh's associates. A journalistic inquiry into this incident led to the unfortunate attack (on media)," Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said.

"Those shedding crocodile tears over the attack on journalists and shouting from rooftops demanding a CBI probe are the people in power at the Centre. They are requested to use their influence to ensure that the CBI, which functions under the Prime Minister, takes up the inquiry," Kumar said.

Asserting that his government was acting without 'fear or favour', Kumar said Anant Singh and four of his associates were arrested and the case would be brought to its 'logical conclusion'.

Two of the accused named in the FIR Mukesh Singh and Bipin Singh are absconding, Kumar said adding raids were going on to apprehend them and, if need be, police would move the court for attachment of their properties.

All police guards posted at the residence of Anant Singh are being replaced and, if upon inquiry, they were found guilty of dereliction of duty in preventing the attack on the journalists, action would be taken against them, he said.