In Bihar Journalist Vimal Kumar murder case, 4 accused arrested

Four people were arrested on Saturday (August 19) in connection with the murder of journalist Vimal Kumar Yadav in Bihar’s Araria. The four accused were identified as Vipin Yadav, Bhavesh Yadav, Ashish Yadav and Umesh Yadav- all residents of the district. 

Kumar, associated with a Hindi daily, was shot dead on Friday, August 18. After filing a complaint, the state police launched an investigation into the matter. 

According to news agency ANI, the incident took place early in the morning in the Raniganj Bazar area. 

Family demands culprits be put behind bars

Demands for justice have started echoing for Vimal Kumar Yadav. Speaking to Republic TV, the deceased's wife said that she is ready to give a statement over her husband's assassination and have the culprits sent to jail. 

"I heard someone repeatedly calling 'Pappu Bhaiya'. Then I heard some gunshots. I saw my husband was seriously injured as the bullets had hit his chest. He cried and yelled my name saying he was shot. I did not know what to do, I couldn't think," said the woman (Vimal’s wife). 

The attackers allegedly had masks on and shot the journalist from point-blank range.

Bihar government assures strict action

Calling the incident ‘unfortunate’, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that he has instructed the officials to look into the matter. 

“It's an unfortunate incident. I have told officers to look into it. I was very sad that how can something happen to a journalist,” said Kumar. 

However, RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav, while speaking to Republic TV termed the killing a “conspiracy.” He further defended Bihar’s law and order. 

“A few suspects have been detained by the police. Kumar's brother was shot in 2019 under the BJP government. I admit that this incident is unfortunate but the administration is carrying out the investigation with extreme vigilance," he said. 

‘Jungle Raj’ returns, accuses BJP 

Training its guns on the Bihar government, Samrat Choudhury, the state BJP chief, said jungleraaj has returned to Bihar. "There is no district in the state where people are not getting killed every other day...Nitish Kumar should ensure investigation and a speedy trial," the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said. 

Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) attacked the Nitish-led Bihar government alleging that, “Which class is not being targeted here, journalists are being targeted separately, administrative class people are being targeted separately and deprived & backward class people are being targeted separately. While the Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) is busy going to Delhi.''