Budhia coach's murder accused detained

Bhopal, Apr 22 (UNI) Contract killer Chhagla, who was wanted in connection with the murder of 'wonder boy' Budhia's coach Biranchi Das, was detained soon after his live interview was being telecast by a private television channel here today.

Chhagla told the channel that he was given the 'supari' (murder contract) for Rs 10 lakh and an advance of Rs two lakh had been received. Since he was absconding, he could not collect the remaining amount, he added.

''Jealousy over name and fame, besides wealth seemed to be the motive for the contract killing'', Chhagla said.

Additional Superintendent of Police G K Pathak said Chhagla was yet to be formally arrested and he was being interrogated.

Chhagla said he was contracted for the murder by a 'gang' of officers in the Sports Directorate of Orissa.

''The sports officers wanted to eliminate Biranchi as the latter did not succumb to their pressure to share a part of the huge funds received from abroad for promoting Budhia'', he told the channel.

Budhia was receiving huge funds from foreign countries after his feat for marathon running and Biranchi was keeping the entire amount with him, the officers felt.

Meanwhile, ETV's Bhopal Bureau Chief Ajay Tripathi said Chhagla walked into the studio and he was detained by the police while the interview was still being aired.

UNI AG-SP 1515