BJP MLA’s Aide Arrested for Jharkhand Journalist’s Murder

The police however asserted that the BJP MLA himself was not involved.

A BJP MLA’s aide was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder of a local TV journalist in Jharkhand. The police, however, asserted that the MLA was not involved. Two people were arrested on Monday, The Indian Express reported.

So far, three persons have been arrested. Three others, one of whom was involved in the shooting, are absconding. We are conducting raids to arrest the remaining accused. The murder was carried out at the instance of Mukesh Ganjhu, a TPC member active in the area. Two of his accomplices were also involved in the murder. It was regarding levy being demanded from the deceased for the contract work.

Anjani Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police

The arrested have been identified as Suraj Sao, Birbal and Jhaman. Suraj is close to MLA Ganesh Ganjhu, representing Simaria Assembly constituency in Chatra district.

The role of Suraj was in planning the murder at the behest of Mukesh Ganjhu. We are interrogating him further to unravel the entire sequence of events. There is no involvement of the MLA. 

Anjani Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police

Journalist Akhilesh Pratap was a native of Barachatti in Gaya district of Bihar and was murdered on 12 May.