Purnia MLA’s killer wants death for herself but is unrepentant

The police said Pathak stabbed the MLA with a 21-inch kitchen knife. The police are not ruling out the possibility that someone might have instigated her to kill the MLA.

Pathak,who was beaten up by the MLA’s guards and other visitors to his house after he attack,is now out of danger.

She told the police she had not met the MLA in last six months.

Purnia DIG Amit Kumar told The Indian Express: “The long-edged knife pierced through the MLA’s aorta. Pathak’s charge against the MLA does not hold water since she had retracted her allegations on sexual harassment before the recent Assembly elections.”

A chargesheet is likely to be filed tomorrow against Pathak as top police officials questioned her today and said her act appeared to be premeditated.

“Investigation is on and the arrested lady is being treated at a hospital in Katihar where her condition is stated to be out of danger. She was grilled by the DIG (Purnia) and other senior police officials,” a top police officer said.

Director General of Police Neelmani has directed Purnia Superintendent of Police N H Khan to ensure the chargesheet is filed by tomorrow for a speedy trial,the official said.

There was no evidence to suggest that Rupam Pathak had ever blackmailed the slain legislator while levelling sexual harassment charges against him,he said.

“What prompted her to take the extreme step is also part of our investigation,” the official said.

Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) P K Thakur said the murder appeared to be premeditated and not perpetrated in a fit of pique.

“The case is being probed from all angles,” he said.

The 51-year-old,four-time BJP MLA was yesterday stabbed to death here by Pathak who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment. Pathak had to be hospitalised after being thrashed by other visitors,present at the MLA’s residence,after the incident.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed the DGP to constitute a high-level probe team,review the security of all legislators and ensure that those who visited them were frisked.

Meanwhile,Kesri was cremated on Wednesday with with full state honours.

Amid poignant scenes,his youngest son Rahul lit the pyre in the presence of a large number of people,including several politicians.

Prominent among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi,minister Giriraj Singh,Purnia MP Uday Singh and Katihar MP Nikhil Choudhary.

Earlier,his body was kept at the local BJP office to enable people to pay their last respects.

With agency inputs