SC directed the CBI to file a charge sheet in the murder of journalist Rajdev Ranjan in 3 months (File)
Taking a tough line against delays in filing of a charge sheet in the murder of Bihar journalist Rajdev Ranjan, the Supreme Court today directed the CBI to ensure that its investigations be completed within three months.
A bench of justices Dipak Mishra and Amitava Roy also said that none of the accused in the case - including controversial RJD leader Shahabuddin - would seek bail on grounds that a charge sheet was yet to be filed in the matter.
The court also demanded a report from the Siwan sessions court on why two other accused - Mohammad Kaid and Mohammad Javed -- were not declared proclaimed offenders after they were seen publicly with Bihar's health minister Tej Pratap Yadav, and Shahabuddin.
The Bihar government, meanwhile, told the court that the two accused - both alleged sharpshooters working for Shahabuddin -- were not proclaimed offenders when they met with Mr Yadav in Siwan.
The top court also directed the CBI to continue with its investigations after the murdered journalist's wife Asha Ranjan alleged that the premier investigation agency had not even begun its investigation in the case due to "political influence" and "fear of Shahabuddin".
The court also sought the response of Shahbuddin, Mr Yadav and the Bihar government on a petition filed by Ms Ranjan seeking a transfer of the case from Siwan in Bihar to New Delhi.
Mr Ranjan was killed in July this year while on the way home from his office, by two motorcycle borne assailants. His wife has alleged that he was killed to keep him from reporting on jailed RJD leader Shahabuddin's illegal activities.