SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Aug 27: Former Jharia MLA Sanjeev Singh was on Wednesday acquitted of charges in the murder case of his cousin and former Dhanbad deputy mayor Neeraj Singh.
Special Judge of the MP-MLA Court, Durgesh Chandra Awasthi, while pronouncing judgment in the eight-year-old case, also acquitted nine other accused, citing lack of evidence.
The acquitted included Jaynendra Singh alias Pintu Singh, Dubloo Mishra, Binod Singh, Sagar Singh alias Shibu, Chandan Singh, Kurban Ali, Pankaj Singh, Randhir, and Dhananjay alias Dhanjee.
Sanjeev Singh, who is currently out on conditional bail, was present in court for the verdict and arrived from Ranchi by ambulance.
Sanjeev Singh’s lawyer, Md Javed, said the court absolved him of charges due to lack of evidence, while Abhishek Singh, the younger brother of Neeraj Singh, said he would challenge the decision in the High Court.
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Details of the 2017 Murder
Neeraj Singh, along with his driver Gholtu Mahto, bodyguard Munna Tiwari, and personal staff Ashok Yadav, was shot dead on March 21, 2017, near Steel Gate on NH-32 under Saraidhela police station.
Four assailants on two motorcycles opened fire with 9mm pistols and carbines, spraying over 50 rounds at Singh’s vehicle. All four victims were declared brought dead at Central Hospital.
Neeraj Singh was returning to his residence, Raghukul, in Saraidhela at the time of the attack. The murder shocked the coal belt, as both Sanjeev and Neeraj Singh were influential leaders and trade union rivals in Dhanbad.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Sanjeev Singh, a two-time BJP MLA from Jharia (2009, 2014), surrendered with three aides on April 12, 2017, and was arrested on charges of conspiring in the murder.
He remained in judicial custody for over eight years. On August 8, 2025, the Supreme Court granted him conditional bail, with the condition that he would not enter Dhanbad except on court hearing dates.
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Prohibitory Orders in Dhanbad
Anticipating possible clashes between the supporters of Sanjeev Singh and Neeraj Singh following the verdict, the Dhanbad district administration imposed prohibitory orders under BNSS Section 163.
The restrictions were enforced from 6 am to 10 pm on Wednesday in the civil court premises, at the main court gate, and from DRM Chowk to Randhir Verma Chowk.
