BJP legislator's aide among three held for Jharkhand scribe's murder

BJP legislator Ganesh Ganjhu's aide and two others have been arrested in connection with the murder of journalist Akhilesh Singh alias Indradeo Yadav in Chatra district, Jharkhand Police said on Tuesday.

"The refusal to pay levy to a Maoist organisation led to the murder. Of the five accused, three have been arrested," Chatra Superintendent of Police Anjani Jha told reporters.

Akhilesh Singh, a local television reporter, was shot dead on Thursday when he was returning home.

According to police, the journalist was also involved in construction work and a Maoist group, Tritiya Prastuti Committee, had demanded Rs.7 lakh as levy.

Those arrested include Suraj Sao, said to be an aide of Bharatiya Janata Party's Simaria legislator Ganesh Ganjhu, Jhaman Sao and Birabal Sao.

Police said shooter Munesh Ganjhu and mastermind Mukesh Ganjhu are yet to be arrested.

Akhilesh was the fourth journalist killed since the state's creation in November 2000.

--IANS

ns/tsb/vt