Plot to kill UP MLA busted, two held

Varanasi, June 16 (UNI) With the arrest of two persons including an MBA student from the Lanka area here today, the district police claimed to have busted an inter-district gang of extortionists, besides exposing a plot to kill a controversial independent MLA of Uttar Pradesh.

Senior Police Superintendent Ashutosh Pandey told UNI that Rajiv Mishra, an MBA student from Lucknow and Alok Rai, both members of the three member 'J' gang, were held from Durgakund area under Lanka police station and a mobile phone from which they were making ransom call seized.

Mr Pandey further said that the arrested duo, belonging to neighbouring Ghazipur and Mau districts admitted of working for an extortion gang under one Raju Tiwari.

The arrested, both gunners of slain BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, also conceded to working for the extortion gang, to earn money for avenging the killing of the legislator.

The SSP said that both Rajiv and Alok, admitted of plotting to kill indpendent MLA Mukhtar Ansari, an accused in the November 29, 2005 killing of the BJP legislator in the Bhanwarkol area of Ghazipur district.

Mr Pandey also said that the 'J' gang used to extort money from doctors, engineers and businessmen in Varanasi and adjoining districts.

Further investigations were on.

UNI ARS VD PM1859