Manjunath murder case hearing on Nov 24

Lakhimpur Kheri, Nov 8 (UNI) The high-profile Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) sales officer V Manjunath murder case was today posted to November 24 and 25 for next hearing.

Then Gola police station in charge and investigating officer Pramod Kumar Shukla appeared before district and sessions judge S M A Abdi to record his statement as a witness.

In his statement, the police officer maintained that Manjunath was eliminated under a well-hatched conspiracy.

However, Mr Shukla could not be cross-examined by the defence counsels.

Later, the judge fixed November 24 and 25 for next hearing and cross-examination of the witness.

Several witnesses have already turned hostile in the case.

Manjunath's bullet riddled body was found in the nearby Sitapur district on November 19, 2005.

The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L) alumnus was an upright government servant and had taken a tough stand against adulteration of fuel at some petrol outlets in Kheri.

Most of the prime accused have been arrested and are in jail.

UNI XC/VS YA RN1907