Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s younger son Pravin Manjhi was on Sunday afternoon arrested from Jehanabad in Bihar along with Rs. 4.65 lakh.
The money was being carried in a vehicle, and it was seized by Bihar Police after a check by authorities. Pravin has been taken to Makdumpur police station where he is being asked to reveal the source. He is likely to be released only after the police are satisfied with his answers.
Defending Pravin, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s son-in-law Devender said that due to an ongoing construction work in Gaya, he was carrying the money from Patna. He also alleged that the state government is using intelligence sources to keep an eye on them ahead of state Assembly elections.
The arrest comes even as Jitan Manjhi is in a deadlock with the National Democratic Alliance over the seat sharing in the upcoming Bihar elections. Manjhi was unhappy with BJP’s offer of 15 seats and is demanding 25 for his party.
According to sources, the BJP has expressed concerns over Manjhi’s demand but Manjhi feels that his party needs to contest at least 10 per cent of the total number of Assembly seats to be considered a regional player.
Manjhi is meeting leaders of his Hindustan Awam Morcha at Bihar Niwas in Delhi. BJP leaders continue to put up a brave front saying efforts are on to convince Manjhi. The BJP core group will meet again today to discuss the matter.
