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Katni/Bhopal: In a significant breakthrough, the Katni Police has rejected initial claims of communal motive behind the brutal broad daylight murder of BJP ‘Pichda Morcha Mandal’ chief Neelu (Nilesh) Rajak.
Contrary to initial allegations linking the murder to “love jihad”, investigators have uncovered a complex web of personal animosity and business rivalry as the real cause.
Rajak, 38, a prominent Bajrang Dal activist and labor contractor, was shot dead near a bank in Kimor at around 11 am on October 28.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the crime, revealing a two-month-old feud that has turned deadly.
Two attackers riding a motorcycle fired several rounds, which hit his head and chest. He died at Vijayaraghavgarh Government Hospital and left behind his elderly mother and two young children.
The murder sparked widespread outrage and communal unrest. Supporters, led by BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak, blocked the road demanding speedy justice and delayed the post-mortem.
Pathak alleged that Rajak was targeted for opposing “love jihad”, citing an earlier threat by Akram Khan, who was accused of harassing schoolgirls near DAV School – a complaint that was reportedly ignored by the police.
However, the investigation revealed a darker motive.
Superintendent of Police Abhinaya Vishwakarma said on Saturday that the murder was caused by a two-month-old feud between Rajak and Akram Khan, 33, which was rooted in verbal spats and fierce competition in the labor supply business.
“Repeated clashes turned into a deadly conspiracy,” Vishwakarma said.
Akram had planned the attack along with Prince Joseph (30). Associates Arif and Salim monitored Rajak’s movements for two days, while Harsh Singh of Amarpatan supplied weapons – a pistol.
Immediately after the incident, on October 29, the police surrounded Akram and Prince in Kajarwara, Bahoriband.
A brief shootout ensued, injuring both men, who are now hospitalized under guard. Arif and Salim surrendered shortly afterwards and Harsh Singh was arrested on 3 November.
Three suspects are still at large and their sketches have been circulated online.
The consequences were serious. Prohibitory orders were ordered in Kimor due to communal tension and in a tragic turn, Prince’s father, Nelson Joseph, died by suicide after his son’s arrest.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the murder, ordered strict action and sent Minister Rao Udai Pratap Singh to console the bereaved family.
#JusticeForNeelu became a rage on social media, garnering over 10,000 posts.
While BJP leaders described Rajak as a “fearless activist”, opposition parties criticized the police’s “negligence” – which led to the suspension of two officers.
As Katni grapples with the tragedy, officials ensure justice.
“We will catch the remaining accused and ensure that peace is maintained,” SP Vishwakarma assured.
–IANS