Madhumita case sealed, we got killer, claims CBI

The CBI claimed to have sealed the Madhumita Shukla murder case with the arrest today of the man who allegedly shot the poetess at her residence here six months ago. Of the suspects in the case, only Samajwadi Party legislator Amar Mani Tripathi’s wife Madhumani now remains out of the CBI net.

Prakash Chander Pandey was arrested this morning and produced before the designated CBI court, that ordered a remand. He is said to have accompanied Santosh Rai, who was arrested four days ago, to Madhumita’s house at Paper Mill Colony on May 9, the day of the murder.

Rai had earlier been positively identified by Madhumita’s servant and the only eyewitness in the case, 13-year-old Deshraj.

The CBI will be questioning Madhumani at their Gorakhpur residence on November 12. She may be arrested as the agency’s interrogation has reportedly revealed she arranged the Rs 2 lakh paid to the killers. A Lucknow court had earlier directed the CBI to arrest Madhumani only after the agency had concrete proof indicating her involvement.