Updated at: 1509 PST, Tuesday, January 04, 2011
 PATNA: Ruling BJP MLA from Purnea, Raj Kishore Keshari, was stabbed to death at his residence in Purnea on Tuesday allegedly by a woman who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment.
51-year-old Keshari, a four-time MLA, was meeting visitors of his constituency at his Sipahi Tola residence here this morning when the woman, Rupam Pathak, stabbed him, badly damaging his spleen, Director General of Police (DGP) Neelmani said in Patna.
The profusely bleeding MLA was rushed to a nearby hospital but he succumbed to his injuries, doctors attending on him said.
Visitors assembled at the MLA’s residence caught hold of Pathak and thrashed her severely before handing her over to police. Police got the injured Pathak admitted to a government hospital where her condition was stated to be critical, Mr. Neelmani said.
Pathak had six months ago lodged a complaint of sexual harassment against the MLA from Purnea.
Shocked at the news of Keshari’s death, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed the DGP to thoroughly review the security of all legislators. He also ordered the DGP to constitute a high-level probe team and ensure frisking of visitors of the legislators.
Mr. Kumar asked Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi to rush to the spot immediately and said the cremation would take place with full State honours.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the people and supporters of Kesahri in Purnea to maintain peace as the guilty would soon be brought to justice.
Mr. Modi strongly condemned the killing of his party MLA and said the matter was being probed thoroughly.
“All aspects involved in the incident will be looked into in course of inquiry,” Mr. Modi said before leaving for Purnea.
Describing Keshari as “a popular leader”, he said the incident should not be linked to “law and order” and “the probe will establish about the mental condition of the woman involved in the attack.”
Meanwhile, State Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra demanded a high—level probe into the incident.
RJD secretary general Ramkripal Yadav also condemned the killing and said “in his (Keshari’s) death, I have lost a close friend.”
State BJP president C. P. Thakur condemned the killing of Keshari and said the case must be probed thoroughly.
“We will like a thorough probe into the incident,” Mr. Thakur said.
He said, “In his (Keshari’s) death, we have lost a young and dedicated soldier of BJP... we pray to God to give enough strength to Keshari’s family and followers to tide over the grief.”
DIG, Purnea, will probe the murder case. |
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