Special Investigation Team to probe death of MP journalist

Balaghat: Madhya Pradesh police on Monday announced constitution of a Special Investigation Team to probe the murder of local journalist Sandeep Kothari, who was burnt to death allegedly by three persons linked to mining mafia, following which his protesting family members performed his last rites.

Kothari’s mortal remains, which were brought to Katangi police station in the district earlier in the day from Wardha in Maharashtra, were consigned to flames near here in evening after police submitted a written assurance of an impartial SIT probe. His kin had earlier refused to perform his last rites while insisting that six more persons behind the murder be arrested.

Kothari’s family, including his father Prakashchand, mother Kanchan Devi and brother Naveen, relented only after ASP Neeraj Soni gave in writing that IG, Balaghat range, D.C. Sagar has announced setting up of SIT.

Meanwhile, police produced Vishal Tandi and Brajesh Daharwal, the two accused arrested so far in connection with the case, in a local court which remanded them in police custody for seven days.

Police has also announced a reward of Rs 30,000 on another accused Rakesh Nasvani, who is absconding.

State home minister Babulal Gaur said that police is investigating into the killing of the scribe from all angles. “A hunt is on to arrest the one more accused who is absconding,” he added. When asked about the reports that mining mafias have orchestrated Kothari’s murder, he said, “It will be too early to draw conclusion or conjunctures.”