NEW DELHI, 22 September 2004 — Yesterday was a day of joy and freedom for former Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav who got two pieces of good news in favor of him.
The Patna High Court yesterday granted bail to Yadav in connection with the killing of CPI-Marxist MLA Ajit Sarkar in Purnia. At the same time, RJD made Yadav its nominee for Madhepura Lok Sabha bypoll scheduled on Oct. 13.
Justice R.S. Garg allowed Pappu Yadav’s petition for regular bail in the case. Ajit Sarkar was shot dead at Purnia in 1998. In its order the court observed that the CBI and the informant counsels failed to give “substantial” proof in the last six years, which could prove Pappu Yadav’s involvement in the case.
Earlier on Monday, the Patna High Court had reserved its order on the bail petition of Yadav. On conclusion of hearing of the defense and prosecution, Justice Garg said he would pronounce his order later.
Meanwhile, in another significant development, the Rashtriya Janata Dal led by Lalu Prasad Yadav has decided to give party ticket to Pappu Yadav from Madhepura. The bypoll was necessitated after the RJD supremo vacated the seat to retain the Chapra Lok Sabha seat for himself.
Lalu won both the seats in the last Lok Sabha polls. He defeated the Janata Dal-United leader, Sharad Yadav in Madhepura poll.
