MLA murder: Accused grilled by top cops

A charge sheet is likely to be filed on Thursday against the woman who allegedly stabbed to death Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Raj Kishore Keshari in Purnia, Bihar on Tuesday. Top police officials questioned her on Wednesday and said her act appeared to be pre-meditated.

"The investigation is on and the arrested lady is being treated at a hospital in Katihar. Her condition is stated to be out of danger. She was grilled by the deputy inspector general (Purnia) and other senior police officials," a top police officer said.

State Director General of Police Neelmani has directed Purnia Superintendent of Police N H Khan to ensure that the charge sheet in the case is filed by Thursday for a speedy trial, the official said.

There was no evidence to suggest that Rupam Pathak had ever blackmailed the slain legislator while leveling sexual harassment charges against him, he said.

"What prompted her to take the extreme step is also part of our investigation," the official said.

Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) P K Thakur said the murder appeared to be premeditated and not perpetrated in a fit of anger.

He said the woman had retracted her statement of sexual harassment against Keshari before a judicial magistrate and her husband too had recorded his statement in support of the member of legislative assembly.

"The case is being probed from all angles," he said.

The 51-year-old four-time BJP MLA was on Tuesday stabbed to death in Purnia by Pathak who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment. Pathak had to be hospitalised after being thrashed by other visitors who were present at the MLA's residence at the time of the incident.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had directed the DGP to constitute a high-level probe team, review the security of all legislators and ensure that those who visited them were frisked.