Monday, April 17 2006 15:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Controversial RJD MP from Siwan Mohammad Shahabuddin failed to get any reprieve from the Patna High Court which today rejected his bail plea in a case relating to exchange of fire between police and the MP's supporters at his Pratappur house in March 2001.

Justice Shivkirti Singh rejected Shahabuddin's bail petition and ordered that trial be expedited in the case.

Shahabuddin, who was arrested from New Delhi in November last year, is currently lodged at Bhagalpur jail.

Siwan police has already filed a chargesheet in the firing case. Nine persons were killed in an encounter when police tried to arrest Shahabuddin from his house.

Police later recovered sophisticated firearms including hand grenades and AK-46 rifles from the spot and a case was filed under Arms Act at the Hussainganj police station.

The RJD MP, who was recently charged with sedition in a case of Arms Act, is facing over three dozen criminal cases mostly under the Arms Act.

Objecting to Shahabuddin's bail plea, government advocate Someshwar Dayal told the court that the MP had a criminal background and could influence trial proceedings if he got bail.

Meanwhile, Shahabuddin's counsel Y V Giri said his client was not present at his Pratappur house on the day of the incident and was in a neighbouring village in the same constituency.