Siwan/Patna: The legal troubles of Osama Shahab, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Raghunathpur and son of late former Siwan MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, intensified after a district court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case linked to alleged land grabbing, assault and vandalism.
The court of principal district and sessions judge Moti Shankar Kumar Singh dismissed the application after hearing arguments from both sides on Tuesday.
Counsel for the defence, Navendu Shekhar Deepak, argued that Shahab was innocent and sought protection from arrest. The prosecution, represented by public prosecutor Pramil Gope, strongly opposed the plea. After hearing submissions, the court declined to grant anticipatory bail.
The defence has indicated that it will challenge the order before the high court.
Dispute over construction work
The case relates to an incident in Jhunapur village under Mahadeva police station limits in Siwan district. A dispute reportedly arose over construction work on land owned by Dr Sudha Singh, wife of Gopalganj-based physician Dr Vinay Kumar Singh.
According to the complainant, threats were made over the phone on April 14 asking them to stop construction work.
The complaint further alleges that a group of 30 to 40 people later arrived at the site and carried out an attack. Workers were allegedly assaulted, while accusations of attempted murder, snatching of mobile phones and destruction of CCTV cameras were also made.
Allegations against MLA
The complainant has alleged that the entire incident took place at the behest of Osama Shahab. Two other individuals, identified as Farhan and Sabir, have also been named for their alleged role in vandalism and looting at the site.
Attention is now focused on whether Shahab secures relief from the high court. For now, the lower court’s ruling has added to the pressure on the RJD legislator
