Double whammy

The BJP expects Khoont to connect to farmers8212;he was Rajkot Marketing Yard president from 1995 to 19988212;who have, for the last three terms been loyal to the Congress. Khoont is new to Dhoraji but is well-known in the constituency because of the Leuva Patel hostel he runs in Rajkot, where the youth of Dhoraji get affordable and decent accommodation.

For years, he ran Astron Cinema, a successful movie hall in Rajkot.

Khoont says his criminal records aren8217;t his fault. 8220;I had become a victim of circumstances. Whatever cases I face is due to irresponsibility on the part of my business partners,8221; he said.

According to a case registered at the Wankaner police station, Khoont has been accused of fraud and cheating over a payment of Rs 45 lakh. In another case, he was accused of stealing power for his ceramic mill at Wankaner.

Shamji Khoont BJP

CRIME FILE

8226; There are two cases registered against him:

one for fraud and another for stealing power

ASSETS

Cash: Rs 10,000.

Investments: Rs 6,67,699

Wife8217;s land: Rs 10,39,624

Children8217;s land: Rs 26,61,715