Police officer P.K. Thakur said the attack proved fatal as the knife damaged the spleen.

A relative of the dead politician said he saw Kesri fall from his chair but initially thought he had simply slipped.

"I wondered why he was not getting up," S. Kumar told reporters at the site. "It is only when I went to pick him up that I realised that he was bleeding profusely."

Even as Kesri's stunned guards overpowered the woman, the BJP leader was rushed to a hospital where doctors pronounced him dead after trying to revive him.

Rupam Pathak was thrashed by a mob at the site. Officer Thakur denied this, but journalists saw her crying, apparently in pain, in a police van. In view of the tension in Purnia, Pathak was shifted to Katihar.

"She has been admitted to the Katihar Medical College and Hospital in Katihar district. She was in a critical condition after being beaten by Kesri's security guards and supporters," a district official said.

A police officer told IANS over the telephone from Purnia that the school teacher had last year accused Kesri of raping her and lodged a criminal case against him.

But Thakur said the woman had subsequently withdrawn the rape charge.

A local political activist told IANS that Rupam Pathak had withdrawn the case before October-November Bihar assembly polls after she was promised huge amount by Kesdri because he was contesting from Purnia seat."But after Kesri won the seat, Rupam Pathak was not given the amount promised,she was upset and taken extreme step in revenge.Though it is a matter of probe" he said.

A police officer told IANS over phone from Purnia that the school teacher had last year accused Kesri of raping her and lodged a criminal case against him. But Thakur said Pathak had subsequently withdrawn the rape charge.

A local political activist told IANS that Pathak had withdrawn the case before the October-November Bihar assembly polls after she was promised a huge amount by Kesri because he was contesting from the Purnia seat.

"But after Kesri won, Rupam Pathak was not given the amount promised...she was upset and must have taken the extreme step in revenge," he said.

While Purnia saw a total shutdown, BJP termed it a big conspiracy and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe even though Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a high-level inquiry into the killing.

"We have demanded a CBI probe," BJP's Rajendra Gupta said.

Deputy Inspector General (Purnia Range) Amit Kumar, who was directed by the state government to probe the case, said police have began investigations and will submit the report as soon as possible.

The news of the killing spread rapidly across Bihar, where the BJP is the junior ally of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United (JD-U).

Nitish Kumar expressed shock over the incident and ordered a probe.

BJP leaders rubbished Pathak's allegation and called her a blackmailer. "She was blackmailing Kesri and demanded money," said Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, a senior BJP leader.

Modi claimed that Kesri was given a clean chit in the case by the police.

Comment

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विधायक की हत्या से जुड़े सवाल: कौन देगा जबाब
*निखिल आनंद*

विधायक राजकिशोर केसरी की हत्या ने कड़ाके की ठंड में बिहार का राजनीतिक तापमान गरम कर दिया है l बिहार के एक सत्ताधारी गठबंधन के विधायक की हत्या हो जाए वो भी दिन के उजाले में ये घटना सुशासन में आम लोगो की सुरक्षा के सरकारी दावे पर उँगली उठाने के लिए काफी है। पुर्णिया के बी.जे.पी.विधायक राजकिशोर केसरी चौथी बार विधायक बने थे। रुपम पाठक नाम की एक एम.ए. पास शिक्षिका ने विधायक पर यौन शोषण के इल्जाम में विधायक केसरी की छुरामार कर हत्या कर दी। पुरूष वर्चस्व वाले समाज में वाकई ये आश्चर्य की बात है कि अब तक की परंपरा के अनुसार एक निरीह अकेली महिला के साथ पुरुष ज्यादती करता था । पर इस घटना में एक महिला ने एक जनप्रतिनिधि की यौन शोषण बदला लेने के लिए हत्या कर दी है। महिला ने विधायक की हत्या की इसकी जितनी निंदा की जाय कम है और कानून उसके किये की सजा भी अवश्य देगा । राजकिशोर केसरी पर लगाये आरोप सही थे या गलत ये भी जाँच का विषय है क्योंकि महिला के लगाये गए आरोप विधानसभा के सदस्य की गरिमा और मर्यादा के लिहाज़ से अत्यंत गंभीर हैं। लेकिन इस घटना से सहज ही समझ सकते हैं कि उक्त महिला के भीतर प्रतिशोध की ज्वाला किस कदर भड़की हुई थी। इस पूरी घटना ने एन.चन्द्रा की एक फिल्म - प्रतिघात- का वो अंतिम दृश्य आँखों के सामने घुमा दिया जिसमें फिल्म की हिरोइन ने अपने अत्याचार का प्रतिशोध लिया था। बिहार में किसी महिला का विधायक से बदला लेने की ये पहली घटना नही है। इसके पहले भी -योगेन्द्र सरदार- नाम के विधायकजी ने जब एक महिला को गलत काम के लिए बाध्य करने की कोशिश की तो उस साहसी महिला ने महोदय का गुप्त अंग काट लिया था।

पुर्णिया के बी.जे.पी. विधायक राजकिशोर केसरी की हत्या से बी.जे.पी. जितनी दुखी है उससे ज्यादा कहीं सुशील कुमार मोदी को आघात पहुँचा है। यही कारण है कि केशरी की हत्या के बाद मोदीजी मिडिया के सामने अपने विधायक का चरित्र चित्रण करने में जुटे रहे। उप मुख्यमंत्री सुशील कुमार मोदी ने मिडिया से कहा कि राजकिशोर केशरी इमानदार, कर्मठ, जुझारू नेता थे । वहीँ मोदीजी ने ये भी कहा की महिला ब्लैकमेलर थी यानी गलत थी, इशारा साफ़ था की चरित्रहीन है । एक जिम्मेदार पद पर बैठे नेता का बयान कई सवाल खड़ा करता है l पहली बात तो ये की किसी के चरित्र की कोई ठेकेदारी नहीं ले सकता है l सच क्या है वो जांच के विषय हैं, कई बिन्दुयों पर जांच होनी चाहिए - रूपम और राज किशोर केसरी के बीच क्या सम्बन्ध थे ? रूपम विधायक को ब्लैकमेल कर रही थी लेकिन क्यों ? क्या ये सच है की विधायक और उनके सहयोगी विपिन राय रूपम का ब्लैकमेलिंग कर यौन शोषण कर रहे थे ? क्या ये बात सच है की रूपम के बाद उसकी बेटी पर बुरी नज़र रखी जा रही थी ? अब जहाँ तक महिला के चरित्रहीन होने की बात है तो क़ानून ये कहता है की पत्नी के साथ पति का या किसी वेश्या के साथ किसी भी व्यक्ति का जबरदस्ती शारीरिक सम्बन्ध स्थापित करना- ये सभी बलात्कार की श्रेणी में आता है l

एसोसियेशन फॉर डेमोक्रेटिक रिफॉर्म के आंकड़े के अनुसार जो 142 विधायक इस बार की विधानसभा में दागी है और इनमें 85 पर गंभीर आरोप हैं l ए.डी.आर. की इस लिस्ट में राजकिशोर केसरी भी शामिल थे और उनपर आई.पी.सी. की धारा- 323, 353, 307, 147, 148, 149, 308, 379, 504, 452 और 426 के तहत मामले दर्ज थे । राज्य के मुखिया नीतीश कुमार के भ्रष्ट्राचार के खिलाफ अभियान और क़ानून-व्यवस्था के दावे पर भी जनप्रतिनिधियों से जुड़े मामलों से बट्टा लग रहा है l सरकार बनने के डेढ़ महीने में ही बीमा भारती, हुलास पाण्डेय, सुनील पाण्डेय और अब राजकिशोर केसरी से जुड़े मामले सुर्खियाँ बन चुके है l नीतीश ज़ी की कोशिश भी है की सार्वजनिक जीवन में पारदर्शिता बरती जाय l इस सन्दर्भ में जनप्रतिनिधियों और उनके नजदीकियों से जुड़े मामले का स्पीडी ट्रायल भी एक विचारणीय मुद्दा है l

अफसोस की केसरीजी जनप्रतिनिधि थे और उनकी हत्या हो गई, लेकिन सरकार के सुशासन के दावे के बीच ये घटना सुरक्षा व्यवस्था की पोल खोलता है यानि जब जनप्रतिनिधि सुरक्षित नही है तो आम जनता की कौन पूछे। फिर ये नीतीश बाबू की सरकार बनने के बाद ये विधायकों के साथ हुआ दूसरा मामला है। इससे पहले बीमा भारती पर उनके क्रिमिनल पति अवधेश मंडल ने अपहरण कर अवैध कब्जे में लेकर जान से मारने की कोशिश की थी । फिर सवाल महिलाओं के खिलाफ राज्य में हो रहे उत्पीड़न और समय रहते न्याय न मिल पाने का का भी है। लेकिन बिहार की राजनीतिक सर्किल में सनसनीखेज और चर्चित सेक्स स्कैंडल की लिस्ट में श्वेत निशा उर्फ़ बाबी, चंपा विश्वास, शिल्पी-गौतम, रेशमा उर्फ़ काजल के बाद अब "रूपम पाठक- राजकिशोर केसरी" का भी नाम जुड़ गया है l इन सभी मामलों की परिणति क्या हुई ये किसी से छुपी हुई नहीं है और अभी तक केसरी हत्याकांड में जो प्रगति है उससे इस मामले के हश्र की तरफ एक इशारा मिल गया है l डी.आई.ज़ी ने कहा की हम हत्याकांड को केंद्र में रखकर पूरे मामले की जांच कर रहे है जबकि ये पूरा मामला सेक्स स्कैंडल का है जिसमें सही जांच की दिशा कुछ बड़े गिरेबान तक पहुँच सकते है l दूसरा की इस मामले का सबसे पहले खुलासा करने वाले 'Quisling' अंग्रेजी साप्ताहिक पत्रिका के संपादक नवलेश पाठक को पुलिस उनके घर से बिना नोटिस के घसीटते हुए अज्ञात जगह ले गयी है l फिलहाल पत्रकार बिरादरी ने चुप्पी साधी हुई है जो वाकई आश्चर्य का विषय है l इस घटना से एक बार फिर स्पष्ट है की जनप्रतिनिधियों के चाल- चरित्र- और चेहरे दागदार है या बहस का मुद्दा है l यही कारण है की सार्वजनिक लोगो की निजी जिंदगी में लोगो की खासी दिलचस्पी हमेशा से रही है पर कई बार जब बड़ी घटना होती है तो वो मिडिया की सुर्खिया भी बन जाता है l

रूपम के साथ क्या हुआ ये जाँच का विषय है। इस पूरी घटना पर सही- गलत का फैसला मोदीजी या मिडिया के कहने से नही होगा। इस पूरे मामले में उच्चस्तरीय जाँच ही दूध-का-दूध और पानी-का-पानी स्पष्ट करेगा। तब तक राजकिशोर केसरी या रूपम पाठक- दोनों में से किसी का भी चरित्र चित्रण, चरित्र हनन और महिमामंडन नहीं होना चाहिए। लेकिन पूर्णिया की गलियों में खामोश घूम रही जनता सब जानती है और फैसला क़ानून के हाथ में है, जिसके लिए वाकई इंतज़ार करना होगा। पूर्णिया से लेकर पटना के राजनीतिक गलियारे में इस पूरी घटना को लेकर अलग- अलग तरह की चर्चायें गरम हैं जिसे यहाँ कहना- सुनना फिलहाल ठीक नही।

http://www.inext.co.in/epaper/inextDefault.aspx?editioncode=13&edate=1/6/2011

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Something is definitely fishy here.If she filed a case against the MLA and later backtracked,why didn’t the MLA file a counter case against her for trying to malign his reputation.After all it was such a serious charge for a public representative.Why was she not asked at that time the reason for withdrawing the case,it was not something she could have done by mistake!There are lapses at the administrative level and these people go scot-free because most cases don’t come to limelight.Its only these embarrassing moments,which are fortunately(for the officials)rare and tip of the iceberg,that the true state of affairs of the rich and powerful people is depicted.I don’t commend the act of this possible victim teacher but at the same time I don't have any sympathy whatsoever the slain MLA.Its has raised several issues for the Criminal Justice System for the state or for that matter for the country which needs to be pondered.
Vinod Ojha

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Hats off to the Brave Lady, who might have done something that is illegal, but it was needed for her self-respect and self-defence. Judicial and Police System once again showed their cowardishness, incompetence and laziness to solve such sensitive issues like Rape cases.
All those bastard Anti-social Elements (in particular) should now give full respect to the Women…And any society cant become strong unless and until it worships women.
Women should be given more power and respect than men. This should be our philosophy in Society..
I am in full support for this Courageous Lady – Rupam Pathak..

Amit

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She definitely deserves to be a hero . Although legally people may say she shouldn’t have taken law in her hand but what a common people will do if he or she doesn’t get the justice and that too when fight is with such people where you don’t even expect things will move.
Sanjay
Muscat

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I appreciate your commitment to transparency by putting up all the posts in response to this news. My family are long time resident of the Sipahi Tola where the MLA used to reside. I am not in the position to comment on his character so cant pass any judgement on the crime attributed by the woman on him. However, the late Mr Kesri had a good reputation in general in our locality. So I will request us all that as educated people of the society we should not pass judgement on the character of the deceased until we know all the facts. By suggesting this caution, I am in no way suggesting that the woman’s allegation are false as suggested by some political leaders as I also don’t think any woman will take such a drastic step if there was no 'relationship' or serious ‘issue’ with the deceased. This is categorised as a crime of passion and will need detailed investigation to find out the truth.

Its time that BiharTimes should take a lead and demand a judicial enquiry into this episode so that facts are out and the honour is returned to the actual victim, which can be either the deceased or the attacker.

Adit Deepankar

Humberside, United Kingdom

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Killing of BJP MLA Raj Kishore Kesri in Purnia (Bihar) by a woman allegedly raped by the slain MLA, reminds of women in Nagpur taking collectively law in their hands by beating rape-accused persons to death in the year 2004 not once but twice in the same year. Brave women of Nagpur also faced court-cases for such killing in defence of self-honour unitedly making even the court acquitting the women arrested for killing of rapists at a time when police failed to protect women from being raped despite complaints lodged with the police.

A complete and honest enquiry is necessary on all aspects including about police-inaction on complaints of sexual assault by Rupam Pathak, the alleged rape-victim, to prevent tortured ones taking law in hands.

SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL

(Guinness Record Holder & RTI Activist)

1775 Kucha Lattushah

Dariba, Chandni Chowk

DELHI 110006 (India)

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The MLA was accused (not convicted) of raping this teacher.

Nobody knows the truth. But, if you look at the allegation (accused raped her continuously for 3 yrs) and the timing of allegation (just 3 months before the election) then it is hard to believe her without any concrete proof.

Also, the said victim was not having a weak background (educational and financial) to justify her silence for 3 years.

It upsets me if I read something like “Salute to this brave lady, etc etc”.

If these people can offer support to this so called brave lady then why not to naxals (at least they have concrete proof of exploitation)?

Shambhu Kumar

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The particular incidence shows the exploitation and audacity of political people, but the courage of woman is really appreciating who took on her exploiter head on. Now the honorable Chief Minister should ensure that the woman should be given fair trial treating it as a unique case. 

Vivek Singh

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Chief Minister of Bihar Mr. Nitish Kumar is not doing a people
friendly work by providing three arm guards to all the MLAs after the
killing of one allegedly rapist MLA. Mr Nitish should concentrate on
the fact that there are people who commit heinous crimes and run
freely according to his or her political or official connections. The
armed guards will only add to the terror, which the MLAs are prone to
flaunt. Particularly if an MLA belongs to ruling party he/she thinks
his/her birthright to humiliate anybody. Nitish should appoint at
least one moral teacher to make the MLAs behave like a responsible and
nice guy.
I don't know there are many who would oppose the act of violence by
the said victim of rape; that is surely not advocate that anybody
should come and kill anybody.
Haarriss Ahmad Khan
Muzaffarpur

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Its really good news and sign for our society, that the legislator rapist is punished by the victim. Its a good beginning in society to eliminate criminals who are protected by government, police and judiciary. Salute to this brave lady!!! Our whole society must salute this brave lady and stand behind her for her courage.
It is shameful for the system and sushasan sarkar that rapist and criminals are protected because they are part of their nexus.

I watched the first shameful reaction from Dy CM, as he was spokesman of rapist Legislator Raj Kishore Kesri.

He denied all the charges on Kesari, made by rape victim, as if he was also involved and part of many crimes / kukakarma of such legislator of BJP.

How these all goons got the ticket ? why they all are protected / covered by susasan sarkar?

समर शेष है, नहीं पाप का भागी केवल व्याघ्र,
जो तटस्थ हैं, समय लिखेगा उनका भी अपराध।

I offer my full support to this brave lady and request society to provide their supports to such courage.

Siyaram Singh

Bangalore

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Kudos to women power,shame to the system and the party with a difference BJP which gave the maximum ticket to criminals in the recent election.Why a bereaved female has to take law in her hand?,serious lacuna in the judiciary,executive ,a blot on the state,Respected Nitish babu should not side with the unjust bahubalis.

Dr A Waris MS,FRCS
Bhagalpur

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The incident clearly highlights the trauma face by numerous women in our society. The political goon not only play with the modesty of the women, they extort money from all economic sections of the society. Its a shame on us that we are ruled by these people rather we choose to be ruled by these criminal elements. Moreover, the killing is being highlighted by media and mourned by our leaders including our respected CM. But no one cares to dig deep into the case and try to get to the underlying truth.

Madhav

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It is shameful that those rapist and criminals are wandering freely after doing the crime in Bihar. I can give applause that she has shown a courage to do this work against those society criminals. Its a good start in Bihar to eliminate criminals who are protected by judiciary or police.

Amarendra
Goteborg,Sweden

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Great news. At Last women know how to deal with leaders like this. Very happy to read this

Kumar

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Real empowerment and revolution started in Bihar. Corrupt politicians your days are over.

Praveen

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Salute to this brave lady!!! We are ashemed of our rotten system where rapist walks away free and victim has to face the worst trauma of her life. Why police failed to act on her complain for so long. Our politician-police and judiciary made hell of our system. We all salute your courage Mrs. Pathak.

Vikas Pratap Singh