What Led to the Daylight Murder of BJP Leader Neelu Rajak?
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Synopsis
The shocking daylight murder of BJP leader Neelu Rajak has revealed unexpected motives behind the crime. Instead of communal unrest, police uncover deep-seated personal rivalries and business disputes, leading to a complex investigation. With public outrage and demands for justice, this case continues to unfold dramatically.
Key Takeaways
- Police investigations debunk initial communal motives.
- Personal rivalries and business disputes revealed as true causes.
- Public outrage led to protests and demands for justice.
- Five suspects arrested, while three remain at large.
- Community tensions prompted prohibitory orders in Kymore.
Katni/Bhopal, Nov 8 (NationPress) In a pivotal development, the Katni Police have refuted earlier assertions regarding a communal motive for the shocking midday assassination of the BJP's 'Pichda Morcha Mandal' leader, Neelu (Nilesh) Rajak.
Instead of the initial claims linking the crime to "love jihad," investigators have uncovered a tangled web of personal animosity and business rivalry as the genuine cause.
Rajak, aged 38, was a prominent Bajrang Dal supporter and a labour contractor, shot near a bank in Kymore on October 28 at approximately 11 a.m.
Following the incident, police detained five suspects, revealing a feud that had been simmering for two months.
On that fateful day, two assailants on a motorcycle discharged multiple rounds, striking him fatally in the head and chest. He succumbed to his wounds at the Vijayraghavgarh Government Hospital, leaving behind his elderly mother and two young children.
The murder ignited widespread indignation and communal strife. Supporters, led by BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak, conducted road blockades and postponed the autopsy, demanding immediate justice.
Pathak claimed that Rajak had been targeted for his opposition to "love jihad," citing a previous threat from Akram Khan, who was alleged to have harassed schoolgirls near DAV School—an issue that was reportedly overlooked by the police.
However, the investigation revealed a more profound motive.
Superintendent of Police Abhinay Vishwakarma stated that the murder arose from a two-month-long dispute between Rajak and 33-year-old Akram Khan, rooted in verbal confrontations and fierce competition in the labour supply sector.
“Frequent conflicts escalated into a deadly plot,” Vishwakarma explained.
Akram, along with Prince Joseph (30), orchestrated the attack, while accomplices Arif and Salim tracked Rajak's movements for two days, and Harsh Singh from Amarpatan provided the firearm—a pistol.
Shortly after the attack, on October 29, police apprehended Akram and Prince in Kajrawara, Bahoriband.
A brief gunfight ensued, injuring both men, who are now hospitalized under police supervision. Arif and Salim surrendered soon after, and Harsh Singh was arrested on November 3.
Three suspects remain at large, and their sketches have been distributed online.
The aftermath was dire, with communal tensions prompting prohibitory orders in Kymore. In a tragic twist, Prince's father, Nelson Joseph, took his own life following his son's arrest.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the murder, called for stringent action, and dispatched Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh to console the grieving family.
Social media lit up with #JusticeForNeelu, amassing over 10,000 posts.
While BJP leaders hailed Rajak as a "fearless karyakarta," opposition parties criticized police "negligence," leading to the suspension of two officers.
As Katni copes with this tragedy, authorities remain committed to justice.
“We will apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure that peace prevails,” assured SP Vishwakarma.
Point of View
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations that focus on the actual motives behind violent crimes, rather than jumping to conclusions based on communal narratives. The integrity of law enforcement and their response to public concerns must be prioritized to maintain trust and peace in society.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the motive behind Neelu Rajak's murder?
Investigators have revealed that Neelu Rajak's murder was driven by personal enmity and business rivalry, rather than communal motives.
How many suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder?
Five individuals have been arrested, with ongoing efforts to apprehend three additional suspects.
What actions were taken by the local community following the murder?
The local community staged protests demanding justice, leading to road blockades and public outcry on social media.
Who were the main conspirators in this crime?
Akram Khan and Prince Joseph were identified as the main conspirators, with additional accomplices involved in planning the attack.
What response did the Chief Minister have regarding this incident?
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the murder, called for strict action, and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
