Former MLA deposes in Ajit Sarkar murder case

Patna, Jun 2 (UNI) A former MLA of Banmankhi Assembly Constituency of Bihar Jaikant Paswan deposed in a local Sessions Court here today as a defence witness in the Ajit Sarkar murder case.

While deposing before the Additional District and Sessions judge of Patna B.M. Srivastava, Mr Paswan said that RJD MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and slain leader Ajit Sarkar maintained good relations. Mr Paswan was produced by Mr Yadav in court as 25th defence witness. Another defence witness Rajiv Kumar Choudhry was also examined in the case today.

CPI (M) leader and MLA Ajit Sarkar was shot dead at Purnea on June 14, 1998. RJD MP Mr Yadav and former MLA Rajan Tiwary were among the accused facing trial.

MP Mr Yadav is currently lodged at Tihar jail in Delhi in this case by an order of Supereme Court. Mr Yadav was produced in the court during the hearing through video conferencing system.

UNI