BJP MLA murder case hearing on Dec 1

Ghazipur, UP, Nov 17 (UNI) The next hearing of the high-profile Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai murder case would be held on December 1.

Two main accused, ruling Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari and his brother Ejaj Ansari appeared before special judge (SC/ST Act) Amarnath Upadhyay for today's hearing.

The third accused, don-turned-Independent MLA from Mau assembly constituency and Afzal's younger brother Mukhtar Ansari lodged in the district jail could not appear, since he was indisposed.

His medical report from jail was submitted in the court.

All the three accused are presently lodged in the jail.

Rai, an MLA from Mohammadabad constituency in Ghazipur district, and his seven supporters were shot dead in broad daylight here on November 29, 2005.

They were ambushed near the Ballia-Ghazipur border by several motorcycle-borne miscreants armed with sophisticated weapons.

Later, an FIR was lodged against 10 persons including Mukhtar, Afzal and notorious east UP gangster Munna Bajrangi in connection with the killing. Afzal surrendered in the court on December 8 last.

Another accused, sharp-shooter Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva was arrested in Delhi earlier this year.

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