New Delhi, Jun 2 (Agencies): Laddan Mian, the prime suspect in the killing of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Bihar last month surrendered before a local court in Siwan today. Mian, is a close associate of jailed ex-RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin.

Rajdeo Ranjan, district bureau head of a leading vernacular newspaper, was on May 13 shot dead by unidentified men near a fruit market on the station road under town police station area of Siwan.

The Siwan Police had on May 25 arrested five persons in connection with the Ranjan's murder and recovered a country-made pistol used in the crime from Rohit Kumar, who the police claimed, has confessed to having shot the scribe.

During interrogation, it came to light that Mian, a history-sheeter who came out of Siwan jail in late April, had given contract for Ranjan's murder.

They told police that Mian had given Rs 15,000 to Kumar for the murder and promised to help another accused in settlement of a land dispute at his in-laws' place, Superintendent of Police Suarabh Kumar Sah said.

With the murder of the journalist drawing countrywide criticism, the state government has recommended a CBI probe into the killing.