The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin be shifted from Bihar’s Siwan jail to Tihar jail here on the plea of the widow of slain Siwan journalist Rajdeo Ranjan.

Asha Ranjan has termed the apex court order a victory for her. Her husband was allegedly ordered killed by Shahabuddin last year. Asha Ranjan had urged that Shahabuddin be shifted to Tihar to ensure a free and fair trial in the case.

Directing the Bihar government to transfer Shahabuddin to Tihar Jail, the bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Amitava Roy said it should be done in a week’s time.

Shahabuddin is facing trial in 45 cases. The top court had sent him back to jail on September 30, 2016, as it reversed a September 7, 2016, Patna High court order granting him bail.

The bench said the authorities escorting Shahabuddin to Tihar should “strictly follow the rules applicable to the transit prisoners and no special privilege shall be extended” to him.

The bench also said that the trial in pending cases should be “conducted by video conferencing by the concerned trial court”.