State-backed mafia behind killing: Cong

Modhwadia said: “The fact that Jethava was gunned down in front of the High Court by mercenaries hired by mineral mafias is a serious challenge to the state.”

He said the fact that Jethava had filed a Public Interest Litigation against illegal limestone mining had disturbed the political leadership,the mining mafia and the industrialist lobby.

“If an independent probe is conducted,it will certainly reveal the involvement of big and influential people,” he said.

State Congress president Siddharth Patel said Jethava had taken the cudgel against the collusion of officials and politicians involved in illegal mining.

Congress Legislature Party(CLP) leader Shaktisinh Gohil said Jethava had taken on people connected with the ruling party involved in illegal mining,which was why he was killed.

“It is shocking that he has been killed in front of the Gujarat High Court and in the constituency of the Home Minister of Gujarat. Amit Jethava’s father has pointed out BJP Parliamentarian Dinubhai Solanki’s involvement in the murder. This should be probed. The murder is a clear indication that vested interests,including politicians,will stop at nothing. It also reflects what happens to people seeking justice in Gujarat,” said Gohil.