RTI activist's murderer nabbed in Dharmapuri

Hyderabad: After a massive hunt covering more than five states, the Jagtial police nabbed the contract killer who had shot dead liquor merchant-turned-RTI activist Podeti Satyanarayana earlier this month. The shooter, Hanjil Sheikh Musharaf alias Raja Bhaiyya 26, was hired by a group of toddy traders in Mumbai. 

Jagtial superintendent of police Sunil Dutt said the group bore a grudge against Satyanarayana as he had been allegedly harassing them and demanding money for not complaining to government agencies in Mumbai about alleged adulteration of toddy. “Musharaf was travelling to different places to evade the police and had even shaved his head. Based on technical evidence and other vital clues, 10 persons, including the main accused Musharaf, have been arrested. Three more persons are absconding. We will ensure a speedy trial in court and see that the suspects are convicted.” said the SP.

Musharaf who hails from Murshidabad district in Bengal is accused in cases of extortion, robbery, peddling fake currency and under the Arms Act. “About five cases have been found and about five non-bailable warrants are also pending against him. We suspect he is involved in cases in Mumbai and other places and will write to the Mumbai police to verify his details.” Mr Dutt added.

Satyanarayana hailed from Peddapalli and stayed in Mumbai for a couple of years when he fought against toddy traders from northern Telangana who settled in Mumbai. He claimed that they were supplying illicit liquor and filed a number of RTI applications and, with the details, approached the government. This resulted in their licences being cancelled.

Their licenses were restored recently and Satyanarayana, who got this information, threatened them and demanded Rs 5 crore.

Angered with this continuous demand for money, around 300 toddy traders across Mumbai planned to make a one-time settlement. Around 13 persons representing the group fixed a meeting at Kamalapuri village. When there was a compromise, they drove to the outskirts of Dharmapuri where Musharaf, who was already waiting, shot Satyanarayana.

While nine persons had already been arrested, Musharaf was nabbed when he came to Dharmapuri to collect his payment. The country-made pistol he had used was also seized. A hunt is on to trace three more suspects Madhu Goud, Rajesham Goud and Raja Goud.