Date:29/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/29/stories/2008102960161200.htm

National

Slain youth wanted to send message to Raj

Rahi Gaikwad

MUMBAI: A revolver-wielding youth from Patna was shot dead aboard a city bus here on Monday morning after he became violent. He was allegedly trying to send a message to MNS chief Raj Thackeray over the recent attacks on north Indians.

Rahul Raj Kundan Prasad Singh, 23, was incensed at the violence unleashed on north Indians who appeared for a railway examination here recently. Boarding the BEST bus at Kurla, the youth trained the country-made revolver on the conductor. He tried to take control of the bus, and even injured one passenger. However, according to the police, Rahul said that he had nothing against the passengers, and only wanted to register his protest and talk to Mr. Thackeray.

When the police asked Rahul to surrender, he demanded a cellphone and said he wanted to talk to the Police Commissioner and the media. After negotiating with him for about 40 minutes, the police shot him dead. They reportedly fired 13 bullets.