New Delhi: A day after obtaining seven-day custody of former Uttar Pradesh Minister Amar Mani Tripathi, Central Buraeu of Investigation (CBI) on September 24, brought the prime accused in poetess Madhumita murder case to interrogate him at length to establish his exact role as also to elicit details about others involved in the crime committed on May 9.

Tripathi, accused of getting 24-year-old Madhumita killed after she became pregnant with his child, was brought here from Lucknow on Setember 24 and taken straight to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for medical examination, CBI sources said.

A four-member team of doctors examined his health condition, particularly his blood pressure and ECG, for about two hours, they said.

After the team gave a clearance, Tripathi was taken to CBI headquarters at CGO complex for interrogation by a team of officials, they said.

He is likely to be put to Lie Detector Test in view of his persistent denials regarding relationship with Madhumita.

Tripathi has been denying his association with the poetess although he has been questioned by CBI four times.

However, certain evidences including matching of his DNA with that of the unborn child, letters written by Madhumita to him and the deceased's diary where she allegedly explicitly mentions details about their relationship have strengthened the suspicion against Tripathi leading to his arrest on September 21.

CBI suspects that his wife Madhumani, believed to be jealous of Tripathi's affair with Madhumita, was also privy to the conspiracy to get her murdered and the sacked minister's interrogation is expected to throw light on his aspect. Madhumani has already been questioned.

One of the alleged killers Pandey is believed to be in a Uttaranchal prison after surrendering in another case.

CBI is expected to bring him face to face with Tripathi during the course of interrogation.

Tripathi was arrested on September 21, five months after the murder, following confirmation of his parentage of Madhumita's unborn child through DNA test.

The broad daylight murder of the 24-year old six-month pregnant poetess had triggered a political storm after it came to the fore that Tripathi, then a minister, had a romantic affair with her.

The then Chief Minister Mayawati sacked Tripathi from her ministry and handed over the case to CBI.

Ever since the relationship between Tripathi and Shukla came to light, the needle of suspicion pointed towards him.

A five-page letter written by Madhumita to one AM revealed the fact that it was her third pregnancy and she had been forced to undergo abortion earlier.

During pregnancy, she visited a local gyanaecologist where she was referred to as "Mrs A M Tripathi."

The two had allegedly travelled several times out of Lucknow together and air coupons of Tripathi and a letterhead pad bearing his name have also been recovered from Madhumita's residence.

The slain poetess was using a BSNL sim card gifted to her by Tripathi.

PTI