Bihar MP convicted in murder case

Suraj Singh, an LJP MP from Balia who is better known as Suraj Bhan, was convicted in a murder case by a Begusarai court...

Suraj Singh, an LJP MP from Balia who is better known as Suraj Bhan, was convicted in a murder case by a Begusarai court on Tuesday.

After RJD8217;s Mohammed Shahabuddin and Pappu Yadav, he is the third sitting MP from Bihar to get convicted. Former MP Anand Mohan was sentenced to death last year by a Patna court in the lynching case of then Gopalganj DM G Krishnaiah.

Begusarai fast track court-IV judge RP Dubey delivered the verdict, convicting the MP for murder of a Teghra block farmer Rami Singh, who was shot dead on January 16, 1992, at his native Madhurapur village.

He was convicted under sections of the IPC for murder and attempt to murder and the Arms Act for possession of firearms. Rami Singh8217;s brother Nago Singh had escaped the murder attempt.

The court is likely to deliver the quantum of punishment on Wednesday.

The MP was present in the court with over a dozen supporters when the verdict was delivered. Although he refused to comment on the judgment, over 500 supporters shouted slogans in support of their leader.

The MP was produced in court amid heavy police deployment. After the verdict, he was taken to Begusarai jail.

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Government lawyer Someshwar Dayal said: 8220;The court has found adequate evidence to convict Suraj Bhan. We are expecting a life term for him.8221; Bhan is also named a conspirator in the murder of Begusarai additional public prosecutor Ramnaresh Sharma, who was killed on November 4, 2007. Four other criminal cases are pending against him.

Suraj Bhan was first elected to Bihar Assembly from Mokama seat in 2000 as an Independent. Elected MP on an LJP ticket from Balia in 2004, he is also a member of the Lok Sabha8217;s committee on industry.

No LJP leader was available for comment on the verdict.

Two other accused 8212; Radhey Singh and Jai Ram 8212; have also been convicted in the case.