Angry BJP workers in Bihar protest killing of leader

The BJP on Saturday expressed anger over the killing of its Bihar unit vice president Visheshwar Ohja by forcing closure of markets in the Bhojpur district while the police said it picked up eight people in connection with the murder.

According to reports reaching here, protesting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers forced closure of markets in Shahpur, Bihia and Karnamepur in Bhojpur district to protest against the killing of Ojha (53) who was shot dead on Friday evening in Ara in the district.

They also shouted slogans against the state government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Meanwhile, the police said it had arrested Harender Singh, the "main accused" as well as "another accused" in connection with the case.

Six other suspects have been detained for interrogation, the police said.

Ojha will be cremated on Saturday. His funeral is expected to be attended by top leaders of the state BJP.

The railway authorities have tightened security at railway stations in Bhojpur district in view of political tensions.

Ojha was the vice president of the BJP's Bihar unit. His body was riddled with more than a dozen bullets on Friday as he entered his car after meeting a relative near Sonbarsha bazaar in Bhojpur district, about 60 km from here.

He had unsuccessfully contested last year's assembly election against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rahul Tiwari from Shahpur constituency.

Ojha's murder took place less than 24 hours after another BJP leader Kedar Singh was gunned down in Saran district of the state.

Earlier this month, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Brijnathi Singh was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Patna.