Above: RJD leader and former MP Shahabuddin (file picture). Photo: UNI

The Supreme Court on Monday (August 14) asked the CBI to file the status report on its probe into the sensational murder of a Siwan-based journalist Rajdeo Ranjan, within two weeks. During the hearing, the investigative agency told the apex court that it will complete the probe within two weeks and file the chargesheet thereafter. It also requested the Court that the matter be again taken up after two weeks, which was accepted. The murder is alleged to have taken place at the behest of RJD strongman and Lalu’s protege Mohammad Shahabuddin. According to media reports, the CBI had claimed that it had gathered substantial evidence to establish Shahabuddin’s involvement in the murder.

The writ petition was filed by the slain journalist’s wife Asha Ranjan. She also requested the court to arrest former minister of Bihar, Tej Pratap Yadav, the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav.

—India Legal Bureau