SC begins hearing of plea against Shahabuddin's bail, cops step up security of victim's family

Patna: Security of Chandrakeshwar Prasad and his wife Kalavati Devi in Bihar’s Siwan was beefed up on Wednesday as the Supreme Court began hearing a plea by them and the state seeking cancellation of RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin’s bail.

The plaintiffs had sought the cancellation of Shahabuddin’s bail on the ground that he would misuse his liberty to derail the trial and his release had created a sense of fear, police said.

“Security forces were deployed around Chandrakeshwar Prasad’s house in Siwan town after intelligence reports warned of possible law and order trouble if Shahabuddin’s bail was cancelled by the apex court,” a police officer said.

Earlier, Prasad, alias Chanda Babu, in his petition had alleged that he feared for his life after the release of Shahabuddin, who was convicted for the murder of his two sons.

Both Prasad and his wife said that they had faith in the justice of the apex court. “After God, we have our hopes pinned on the apex court for justice,” they said on Wednesday.

According to the district administration officials, additional security forces were deployed at all busy squares and sensitive places in Siwan.

“There is apprehension of trouble in case Shahabuddin’s bail was cancelled by the court,” a police officer said.

The Patna High Court had released Shahabuddin on 10 September, as the trial in the case of the murder of Prasad’s third son had not started.

Shahabuddin is the main accused in the murder.

Justice Jitendra Mohan Sharma of the Patna High Court had granted bail to Shahabuddin and he was released from Bhagalpur jail after spending 11 years in prison.