Gujarat: Former BJP lawmaker Jayanti Bhanushali shot dead in Sayaji Nagari Express

Bhanushali, who was formerly an MLA from Abadasa constituency in Gujarat, was traveling in Sayaji Nagari Express from Bhuj to Ahmedabad in First AC coach.

Image: ABP News screengrab

New Delhi: Former BJP lawmaker and vice-president of the party’s Gujarat unit, Jayanti Bhanushali, was shot dead inside a moving train in the late hours of Monday night. Bhanushali who was formerly an MLA from Abadasa constituency in Gujarat, was traveling in Sayaji Nagari Express from Bhuj to Ahmedabad in AC coach. The crime was perpetrated somewhere before Maliya Miyana near Morbi junction, when a group of unidentified men broke into the coach and opened fire at Bhanushali, who died at the spot. Bhanushali had been the vice-president of the BJP’s state unit. About six months ago, a rape case was filed against Bhanushali by a 21-year-old woman from Surat, leading to the politicians’ ouster from the party. However, later the case was settled between the two parties. Police received message at 1:30 am through control that one passenger named Jayantlal Bhanushali who was traveling in First AC coach (19116) Sayaji Nagari Express was shot by unknown people between Kataria-Surbari stations.

Gujarat: Former BJP MLA Jayantilal Bhanushali was shot dead by unknown assailants onboard Sayji Nagri Express between Kataria-Surbari stations, last night; Police investigation underway

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani assured of a thorough investigation in the matter.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani on the murder of former BJP MLA Jayantilal Bhanushali onboard a train in Gujarat last night: A thorough investigation will be conducted and strict action will be taken against those guilty. pic.twitter.com/DpjykpRlje

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019