Ahmedabad:
A prominent (Right to Information) RTI activist and 'green crusader' Amit Jethwa was shot dead near the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday evening.
Jethwa was campaigning against alleged illegal mining in the Gir Sanctuary areas in Saurashtra region, which is allegedly backed by some politicians. He was shot at by unidentified assailants.
Joint Commissioner of police, Satish Sharma
"Amit Jethwa was killed in firing by two assailants who came on a motorcycle. The murder happened in the evening between 8:30 and 8:45 in the Sola police station area. Further investigation is on," said Joint Commissioner of Police, Satish Sharma.
Jethwa had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Gujarat High Court last month. The petition alleged that mining activities were being carried out in Una and Kodinar in Saurashtra allegedly by Junagadh BJP MP Dinubhai Boghabhai Solanki and his relatives.
Jethwa had further alleged that the Solankis were also running illegal mines and stone crushers in a village on the border of Gir forests.