'Shooter', wanted in Siwan journalist Rajdeo Ranjan's murder, absconding from police, available for media

Mohammad Shahabuddin on September 10 walked out of prison on bail after 11 years.

Patna/Siwan: 'Shooter' Mohammad Kaif, who is wanted in journalist Rajdeo Ranjan's murder case, said on Monday that the charges against him were false.

Kaif, who has been said to be an absconder, also said, "I am a cricketer, I train boys. This accusation (murder of Ranjan) is false."

He further said, "I'm an only child, would any parent make their only son criminal? Tejashwi Yadav is my youth icon, I wanted to come into politics," as per ANI.

On the charges of his proximity RJD strongman, RJD strongman, Kaif said that he was only a voter of Mohammad Shahabuddin, who walked out of prison on bail after 11 years on September 10.

"I went as a supporter, I had even asked my lawyer for advice before I went there," he said, adding, "Will speak to my lawyer and proceed accordingly. Siwan public, journalists know that I am not a criminal."

At the same time, Kaif pointed out that journalist Ranjan had good relations with him and the latter had attended his wedding.

Yesterday, media had reported as to how Kaif was seen in the cavalcade former RJD MP on way home from Bhagalpur last Saturday.

Shahabuddin's close associate Laddan Mian is in jail in connection with the scribe's murder and though the inquiry into it has so far not named the RJD strongman, he was shifted to Bhagalpur divisional jail from Siwan a little after the incident.

Nitish Kumar government had recommended CBI probe into the murder on demand of the journalist's family.

Reacting to the revelation, Siwan Superintendent of Police  Saurabh Kumar had said yesterday, "Police probe against the accused (Mohammad Kaif) in case (journalist Rajdev Ranjan murder case) is underway."

"Essential raids are being conducted. Have received new photos which are being analysed," the police officer had added.

Today, the Siwan Police again said that it will serve notice and question Shahabuddin in connection with two absconding suspects in the journalist case being part of his cavalcade after his release from Bhagalpur jail.

"We have taken notice of photographs of suspect Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Javed appearing in newspapers and video footage in the carcade of Shahabuddin from Bhagalpur to Siwan and hectic search is on for them," Siwan SP reiterated, as per PTI.

Along with Kaif, Mohammad Javed is also wanted in connection with conspiracy against Ranjan.

The Siwan SP said a notice would be served to Shahabuddin in this connection and he would also be questioned about the two suspects.

Ranjan, 46, Siwan bureau chief with Hindi daily Hindustan, was killed in a busy market place in Siwan in May this year.

He had covered Shahabuddin's crime and court reports.