Date:30/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/30/stories/2008103061141200.htm

National

Slain youth wanted to kill Raj: police

Staff Reporter

Mumbai: Rahul Raj Kundan Prasad Singh, the gun-toting youth from Patna, who was shot dead aboard a bus here on Tuesday, wanted to kill Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, the police said.

“He was shouting, ‘I want to kill Raj Thackeray. I have nothing against the passengers. Don’t shoot me’,” said Dadasaheb Godse senior inspector at the Vinoba Bhave station, Kurla.

Rahul, brandishing the country made revolver, had taken control of the bus and injured one passenger. He was protesting against the attacks on north Indian candidates appearing for a railway examination here. Eventually the police shot dead Rahul.

Inquiry

While investigation into the incident has been handed over to the Mumbai crime branch, a high-level committee, headed by Chief Secretary Johny Joseph, will inquire into the “circumstances that led to the police firing.”

People’s help sought

“I have asked people to come forth with any information they might have. I will be personally speaking to the passengers on the BEST bus,” said Mr. Joseph.