Bihar: Osama Shahab Sent to Judicial Custody Amid High Drama and Tight Security

Siwan, 18th October 2023: Osama Shahab, a resident of Pratappur and son of former MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, was presented in court under tight security on Wednesday. A large crowd of supporters greeted him with slogans as he alighted from his vehicle.

The atmosphere was charged as police had difficulty controlling the crowd of supporters. Shahab, who traveled from Uttar Pradesh to Siwan in a Fortuner, was followed by a convoy of over 100 luxury vehicles. The supporters, who were previously confident that Shahab would be granted bail, faced disappointment when the court ordered him to be sent to judicial custody.

Tussle Over Transport to Jail

As Shahab was being taken to Mandal Jail after his court appearance, supporters insisted that he be allowed to travel in his personal vehicle. The police had to exert mild force to subdue the crowd before they proceeded to Mandal Jail in a police vehicle. A heavy police force was deployed outside the jail’s main gate for added security as a large number of supporters followed the convoy.

Repeated Legal Troubles

Osama Shahab first came under the spotlight on June 16, 2014, when an FIR was filed against him for the murder of Rajeev Roshan, the sole witness in a high-profile acid attack case. However, his name was later cleared from the case due to lack of evidence.

More recently, Shahab was booked in an incident involving the firing of an AK-47 at the convoy of Raees Khan in Mahuwal on April 4, 2022. Here too, he was exonerated after the police found no concrete evidence against him.

His latest legal entanglement involves a land dispute in Motihari’s Rani Kothi on August 1, 2023. Shahab has been accused of firing at individuals over an ongoing dispute regarding land distribution at his sister’s in-laws’ house. An FIR has been filed against him in this regard.