Nitish Kumar mourns attack on journalist, calls it an attack on himself

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said the killing of a senior journalist was an attack on him and that he will recommend a CBI probe if the grieving family insisted.

Saying he was saddened by the murder of Rajdeo Ranjan, the chief minister told the media: "The killing of the journalist is an attack on me."

He said he had full faith in Bihar Police and its investigation.

"We have not left any stone unturned. The investigation is being carried out with highest diligence. Those who committed this crime will get the (strictest) punishment."

Nitish Kumar said he told the police chief on Sunday night to meet the victim's family and ask if they were satisfied with the action taken so far. "If they are not satisfied, we will ask for a CBI probe," he added.

Nitish Kumar said: "I have said earlier too. Anyone can commit a crime. But the law has to take its own course."

Ranjan, 46, the Siwan bureau chief of Hindustan, was shot dead at a busy market near the Station Road on Friday night.

Siwan Superintendent of Police Saurav Kumar Shah said nearly a dozen suspects, including Munshi Mian, had been detained in connection with the case. According to police, Munshi Mian was detained from Pratappur, the village of jailed former MP Mohammad Shahabuddin.