SC orders Shahabuddin’s transfer from Bihar to Tihar
The right of a victim and society at large is an important element of a free and fair trial – paramount to the rule of law, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday as it ordered Bihar government to move gangsterturned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin from Bihar to Tihar jail.
A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra noted the right to fair trial was not singularly absolute for an accused. It rejected Shahabuddin’s contention that moving him out of Siwan jail – where he is presently lodged – would affect his fundamental right.
Booked in 75 cases — of which he has been convicted in 10 and is facing trial in 45 – Shahabuddin is a type “A” history-sheeter, one who is beyond reform, the court noted in its judgement.
The bench ordered the authorities escorting the former RJD Parliamentarian to strictly follow the rules and ensure no special privilege is extended to him.
The transfer shall take place within a week and trial in all the cases shall take place through video-conferencing.
SC asked Patna high court to dispose cases involving Shahabuddin within four months.
The RJD leader has moved applications on technical grounds before the HC due to which trial in some cases has got stalled.
The top court order came on petitions filed by Asha Ranjan, wife of slain journalist Rajdeo Ranjan and Chandrakeshwar Prasad whose sons were allegedly killed by Shahabuddin.
Asha Ranjan’s advocate Kisley Pandey argued Shahabuddin had conspired to murder her husband last May.
The case is being investigated by the CBI. The complainant has also asked for a registration of a criminal case against Lalu Prasad’s son and Bihar health minister Tej Pratap Yadav, whose photograph was published in the media with an alleged sharp shooter who killed Ranjan, close to Shahabuddin. SC fixed April 21 to consider the plea.
Shahabuddin is convicted for masterminding the killing of Prasad’s two sons. He is currently facing trial in the murder case of Prasad’s third son who was a witness to his brothers’ deaths.