Relatives gave 'supari' for scribe's murder

Bhopal, Aug 27 (UNI) City police today lifted the veil off journalist-cum-property dealer Pawan Jain Vidrohi's murder by arresting four accused including his brother-in-law and the mediaperson's wife's maternal uncle.

''The uncle Rajesh Jain, Rajendra Jain and brother-in-law Mukesh Jain hired criminal Sunil Bhadauria following a property dispute and jealousy over Mr Vidrohi's increasing influence. In return, they offered to lower interest on a Rs 10 lakh loan to Bhadauria, give him Rs 5 lakh and a bungalow worth Rs 15 lakh,'' Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh told reporters here.

To mislead the police, the journalist's relatives staged an ''attack'' on their car by criminals. Prime-accused Bhadauria was apprehended today at Bhopal Railway Station while attempting to elude police. He had purchased a SIM card from Agra under an assumed name and used to threaten Mr Pawan following which the latter hired an armed bodyguard and reduced visits.

''The accused purchased a Matiz car for Rs 70,000. Bhadauria asked Gwalior's criminals Mewalal, Vijendra and Aarif to come here on July 1. Weapons were placed in the car. On July 3, Rajendra alerted Bhadauria of Mr Pawan's visit to Vidisha district,'' the officer explained.

That night, the Matiz followed the mediaperson's car. The first bullet, fired on J K Road, proved fatal for driver Sardar Singh and a subsequent volley of shots killed Mr Pawan. The criminals drove to the railway station where Bhadauria gave Rs 50,000 to the other three who were arrested on August 6 at Agra. The Matiz and weapons were being seized.

UNI