Amarmani’s DNA test lands him in CBI net

A CBI spokesman in Delhi said the arrest was made after they received the report of the DNA test conducted by the Central forensic laboratory in Hyderabad.

Questioned by a CBI team earlier in the day, Tripathi, who switched sides from BSP to Samajwadi Party, was picked from his Lawrence Terrace residence this evening and taken to the CBI’s local headquarters.

‘‘We have clinching evidence to prove Tripathi’s hand in the murder of Madhumita,’’ said CBI sources.

Asked if Tripathi’s wife Madhumani, who was also questioned, could be arrested, the spokesman said: ‘‘If need be, anyone can be arrested in connection with the case.’’

The CBI had earlier quizzed Tripathi thrice, two times in New Delhi and once in Lucknow. Besides Tripathi and his wife, their domestic help was also questioned.

Twenty four-year-old Madhumita’s murder on May 9 at her Lucknow residence led to a political storm after it came to light that she had an affair with Tripathi and was six months pregnant when she was killed. Mayawati, the then Chief Minister, sacked Tripathi from her ministry and turned over the case to CBI.

Earlier today, Tripathi told reporters that he was being given a ‘‘media trial’’ for no fault of his.

‘‘Misleading reports have appeared in a section of media about my involvement in the Madhumita murder case. These reports have tarnished my image in the eyes of my children and my voters,’’ he said.

‘‘The CBI questioned me just to satisfy the media. Neither I nor my family members are invloved in the murder of Madhumita. Some people with vested interests have implicated me in this case,’’ he said.

He claimed that Madhumita was murdered when he was not in town and air coupons and letter pads bearing his name were placed in her house so that police could link him to the murder.