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High-level probe into shooting of Patna youth

Man with ‘a message’: This CNN-IBN TV grab shows a gun-toting Rahul Raj.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has ordered a high- level probe into Monday’s shooting incident, in which a young man from Bihar was killed by the Mumbai police. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has asked Chief Secretary Johny Joseph to conduct the probe and submit a report as soon as possible. The Mumbai police crime branch has taken over the investigation.

Deven Bharti, Additional Commissioner (Crime), told The Hindu that Commissioner of Police Hasan Gafoor also ordered a probe. “We have received the papers of the case and the victim’s body has been handed over to neighbours to be taken back home,” Mr. Bharti said.

On Monday, 23-year-old Rahul Raj Kundan Prasad Singh from Patna was shot dead after he tried to take control of a bus and shot a passenger. He was allegedly trying to send a message to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over the recent attacks against north Indians. After the incident, Mr. Thackeray’s security was upgraded to the earlier Z-plus category. It was recently downgraded to the Y category.

In an interview to a Marathi newspaper on Tuesday, Mr. Thackeray reportedly said downgrading his security had been a foolish step. He spoke about the alleged assault on Marathi pride and said he would fight for the cause of the Marathi people till his death. He accused the Congress coalition in the State of ignoring the plight of the Marathis.

Mr. Thackeray is now on bail in connection with two cases charging him with rioting, unlawful assembly and promoting enmity between two groups. A gag order against him will be in force till December 20. He cannot make public statements, including in the media.

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