Arrest warrant against Union minister

R K Shrivastava, chief judicial magistrate of Jamui district in Bihar Monday issued non-bailable warrants against Union Minister of State for Water Resources Jai Prakash Narain Yadav, his brother and Rashtriya Janata Party candidate Vijay Prakash and three others -- former officer-in-charge of Khaira police station Mukteshwar Prasad, who had been suspended, independent candidate Ashok Ram and his driver Batohi Yadav.

They were issued under section 409 of the Indian Penal Code.  The Union minister had been charged with abuse of power and exerting influence to secure the release of his brother on October 18. Prakash was arrested for carrying firearms, cash and liquor bottles during the first phase of the Bihar assembly election on October 18.

An FIR was filed against the minister and four others at Khaira police station on October 22 in connection with the arrest and controversial release. Although the RJD candidate was booked under several sections of IPC with non bailable provisions, he was released on personal bond late in the night after the minister intervened.

The release triggered widespread protests from the National Democratic Alliance and invited ire of the Election Commission which ordered transfer of Bhagalapur Inspector General of Police N C Dhondhiyal.

Mukteswar Prasad, who acted reportedly at the behest of Dhondhiyal and the minister, was placed under suspension and orders were issued to re-arrest Prakash.