Four more arrested in Bihar journalist Vimal Kumar murder case; 2 suspects remain at large

Four individuals were arrested on Saturday by the police in Bihar's Araria district in connection with the murder of journalist Vimal Kumar Yadav. The arrested individuals have been recognized as Vipin Yadav, Bhavesh Yadav, Ashish Yadav, and Umesh Yadav.

"They have been booked for planning the conspiracy in journalist's killing," officials pointed out.

The journalist, identified as Vimal Kumar Yadav, was allegedly shot dead at his residence near Raniganj Bazar area in Araria district on Friday.


Among the eight accused, Rupesh Yadav and Kranti Yadav are already in Araria jail, and the police are seeking their remand. Meanwhile, two suspects are absconding, as per Bihar Police's report quoted by ANI.

"Efforts to trace them are on. We're further looking into the case," officials added.

Political debate erupts amid journalist's murder case
Earlier, when journalists approached Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna with queries about the incident, he said, "I felt really sad and immediately asked officials concerned to look into the incident".

"The matter is being probed and the culprits will be brought to book," asserted the CM.

However, the opposition lashed out at the government and claimed the incident showed "democracy is in danger in Bihar".

"Criminals are roaming freely while innocent citizens, including journalists, and even police personnel are being killed in Bihar," alleged state BJP president Samrat Choudhary.

"What has happened in Araria is, indeed, tragic. But such incidents have become the norm since the 'ghamandia' (arrogant) Mahagathbandhan led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad formed the government in the state," said the BJP leader whose party shared power in the state till a year ago.

Former Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan, who has realigned with the BJP-led NDA, said, "Nitish Kumar and his allies keep shouting that democracy is under attack in Bihar. But they are unable to protect the fourth estate."

Referring to the killing of a police officer recently in Samastipur, Paswan said, "The common Bihari gave up all hopes from Nitish Kumar long back. But his government cannot protect even the police and the press."

Meanwhile, JDU leader Neeraj Kumar said, "Within 24 hours, Police arrested the accused...raids were conducted in jail after victim's family members gave names of suspects...thorough probe was done. Opposition must talk about that as well, not just about the crime."

Inputs from Agencies