Manmohan speaks to Nitish on professor's murder

Patna, Dec 12 (UNI) As gruesome murder of noted historian Professor Papiya Ghose triggered widespread protests in academic and political circles, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar found himself in a tight spot when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh inquired from him over telephone yesterday about the progress in investigation of the 'shocking' incident.

Sources in Chief Minister's office said that Dr Singh offered central assistance for expediting investigation and booking the assailants, if Mr Kumar so wanted. Dr Singh made a cautious and guarded approach since the law and order was a state subject and Mr Kumar humbly turned down the offer saying that he would certainly seek central help if the situation so warranted.

The police is yet to make any breakthrough in the twin murder of Professor Ghose and her maid on Sunday night at her Patna residence. Incidentally her father, a civil servant, died here about five decades ago due to suspected food poisoning.

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