The CBI has named RJD strongman and ex-MP Mohammad Shahabuddin as an accused in the murder of journalist Rajdev Ranjan. The journalist was murdered in May 2016. The Hindi daily Hindustan’s Siwan bureau chief Ranjan (42) was shot dead at Phal Mandi near Siwan station, barely half a km away from Town police station. Two bullets hit Ranjan— one on his forehead and the other, his neck.

Five persons were arrested in connection with the case within a few days of the murder. Bihar Police ADGP Sunil Kumar had said the five men were engaged by contract killer Laddan Mian, known to be close to former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin; but the police had not found evidence directly linking Shahabuddin with the murder.