Bhanushali murder: Two shooters identified

AHMEDABAD: The special investigation team (SIT) formed from personnel of CID (crime), Gujarat ATS and Ahmedabad crime branch, which is investigating the murder of former BJP vicepresident Jayanti Bhanushali, has zeroed in on the shooters.

SIT sources they have identified the two shooters and the plotters, including one woman. “ Our teams are camping in UP to trace the shooters as we suspect they are hiding there,” said a senior police officer.

“We have obtained CCTV footage from the station and have identified the shooters. The footages show that the shooters were Surjit Bhau and Shekhar Maru from Pune,” said a senior official of CID.

An investigator said the coach attendants and a copassenger also identified the two men, who had allegedly murdered the BJP leader aboard the Sayajinagari Express on Monday night, when he was on his way from Bhuj to Ahmedabad.

Investigators said the shooters pulled the chain from the same compartment and got off near Samakhiyali, on the platform side, and drove away on a motorcycle that was parked on the road running parallel to the railway line. The motorcycle was later found abandoned near Gandhidham.

“The motorcycle’s owner was identified as one Vipul. He stated that he had sold it and further investigation revealed that it had been stolen for the purpose of eliminating Bhanushali,” the investigator added.

Investigators said that they have gathered enough evidence, including call details, to suggest that Bhanushali’s political rival, Chhabil Patel, is behind the murder conspiracy.

“Four others, including his close associates were blackmailing Bhanushali and had threatened to kill him as well,” said a SIT official. Investigators said Bhanushali had applied to the DGP’s office about him being blackmailed.

Chabil Patel and his coconspirator, Manisha Goswami, have not been traced as yet, an investigator said.