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Dismissed Bihar minister's property may be attached

Soroor Ahmed in Patna

As the manhunt for dismissed Bihar minister Lalit Yadav continued, the government announced a payment of Rs 50,000 to Dinanath Baitha, the driver allegedly tortured and detained by him.

The district magistrate paid Baitha Rs 12,500 yesterday, as a first instalment, before he left for his native village in Bhojpur district, under police protection, for his daughter's wedding today. The remaining amount will be paid on completion of the trial.

The police have detained three persons for interrogation, though they have not been named in the first information report.

Director General of Police K A Jacob has withdrawn Yadav's security guards as he is no longer a minister. They may face action as they allegedly joined in the torture and did not inform the police about the detention.

Police sources confirmed that if Yadav did not surrender, his property would be attached.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, Sunil Kumar, Yadav would be held soon.

The police Monday moved the chief judicial magistrate's court here to procure a formal arrest warrant against Yadav and three associates.

Baitha had a tearful reunion with family members Monday. Two brothers and two sisters arrived in Patna when they heard of his release. A sister told mediapersons that they had almost given up hope.

The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the chief secretary and director general of police on the detention and torture.

Yadav is a legislator from Manigachi in Darbhanga district and became a minister last March. He and his brothers are known for using their muscle power and almost all government contracts are cornered by them.

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