RJD MP Shahabuddin, known for his controversial antecedents, seems to have rubbed the Laloo establishment the wrong way. The Special Task Force of Bihar Police is targeting Shahabuddin and criminals alleged to be close to him.After a raid on the MP’s farmhouse in Siwan’s Islampur on April 21, the STF arrested Sultan Mian, Bihar’s most wanted contract killer, on Saturday. Mian claims he has close links with State Minister Ejajul Haque, a relative of Shahabuddin. Shahabuddin admitted he knew Mian but denied closeness.Shahabuddin has been complaining since police started keeping a close eye on him. In 2000, police surrounded him at his ancestral home in Pratappur and a fierce gunbattle followed between his supporters and the police. D.P. Ojha, who was the SP in charge of the operation, was transferred. Laloo had gone out of the way to keep the Siwan strongman — who faces not less than 30 criminal cases — pleased.Things changed for the worse for Shahabuddin. Despite his objections, D.P. Ojha was appointed DGP this year. STF sources said the raid on the MP’s farmhouse last month was ‘‘in search for some criminals.’’ They did not find anything and Shahabuddin has filed a case against the STF on other charges.STF’s mobile units have been stationed in Siwan for months now and the MP wants them withdrawn.Shahabuddin’s absence from the April 30 rally had raised speculation that his relations with Laloo was under strain. However, both Laloo and Shahabuddin are not ready to burn bridges. While Laloo keeps mum on the police action against Shahabuddin, the latter is trying to put the blame on the DGP. ‘‘Why are you bringing Laloo in between? The police have filed cases even against Laloo’s relatives,’’ Shahabuddin said. He cited bad health as the reason for staying out of the RJD rally.
