Kolkata, Apr 19 (IANS): The police in West Bengal on Wednesday arrested a person in connection with the murder of coal trader and BJP leader Raju Jha on April 1 in the state's East Burdwan district.

The arrested individual has been identified as Avijit Mondal, a resident of Panagarh in West Burdwan district.

It has been learnt that he is the driver of Narayan Khagra, another coal trader who was once a close confidant of Raju Jha.

Jha was shot dead on NH-19 near a sweetmeat outlet in Saktigarh. His associate Brotin Bandopadhyay, who was travelling with him in an SUV, was injured in the attack.

Meanwhile, two other persons, who are employees at Khagra's office at Durgapur City Centre, have been detained for questioning.

Avijit Mondal was presented in court on Wednesday, following which he was remanded to 14 days' judicial custody.

East Burdwan district police superintendent Kamanasish Sen said the police will question Mondal about his involvement in the matter.

Jha reportedly had criminal records.

In July 2011, months after the Trinamool Congress came to power in West Bengal, the police had arrested Raju Jha at Raniganj but came out on bail.

Since then, he has been arrested multiple times.

He was also questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the agency's investigation into the multi-crore coal smuggling scam in the state.