Doctor assault case: MLA's son surrenders, police files remand petition

GAYA: Following mounting police pressure and severe reprimand from RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Ranjit Kumar son of Atari MLA Kunti Devi and main accused of the allegedly murderous attack on Dr Satendra Kumar, a contractual Medical officer, surrendered in the court of additional chief judicial magistrate Sampat Kumar on Friday afternoon.
Accompanied by his MLA mother Kunti Devi, advocate Shakil Ahmad and some supporters, the MLA son, claiming innocence prayed for bail.
The bail petition was rejected by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate following strong objection from the prosecution side and on account of serious charges that include attempt to murder and causing obstruction in the performance of duty of a Public servant. The charges against Ranjit are cognizable and non bailable in nature.
The court remanded Ranjit to 14 days judicial remand. Ranjit was subsequently sent to Gaya Central jail, a familiar place for the family. Ranjit's father Rajindra Yadav, also a former MLA serving life term after being found guilty of murder of a village girl has spent a good part of his life both as an under trial in dozens of criminal cases and also as a life convict.
Rajindra was transferred to Buxar Central jail ahead of the last assembly election as his wife Kunti was contesting the Atari seat as the RJD candidate.
More trouble lay in store for Ranjit as he has been absconding in two criminal cases registered against him in the year 2013. Atari Police Station case no. 21 in which Ranjit along with other family members figured as accused has been instituted under section 302. He was also wanted by the police in another Arms Act case, also registered in the Atari police station in 2013.
Ranjit's surrender preceded action filled drama in which RJD chief Lalu Prasad is reported to have severely reprimanded his party MLA Kunti Devi and directed her to ensure Ranjit's surrender at the earliest.
Without confirming Lalu's role in the surrender, RJD district President Md Asir said that the party supremo was very upset with Ranjit's conduct. If Ranjit did have any grievance against the doctor, he should have complained to the Health Minister, said Asir.
When contacted Gaya SSP Garima Malik told TOI that the doctor assault case was being investigated with all seriousness and the case IO has already filed a petition in the court for seeking Ranjit's remand for his custodial interrogation. Once the court grants remand, Ranjit will be properly interrogated, said the SSP.
Expressing satisfaction at the turn of events and consequent surrender of the main accused, IMA Gaya chapter secretary Dr Umesh Verma has demanded full implementation of the amended Health Protection Act 2013.