Patna, Feb. 7 (PTI): Patna High Court today rejected the bail plea of Siwan MP Mohammad Shahabuddin in connection with a case related to a shootout with police at Pratappur village in 2001.

Justice Shiv Kirti Singh turned down the RJD MP’s petition and directed a special court in Siwan to conclude the trial within six months.

Shahabuddin’s counsel Y.V. Giri argued he should be freed on bail as he had been in jail for a long time in connection with the case.

State counsel Shyameshwar Dayal cited the MP’s “criminal antecedents” to oppose the application and said freeing him at this juncture could adversely affect the trial.