CBI arrests MP in on-going investigation relating to alleged murder of RTI Activist Amit Jethwa

New Delhi/Jalandhar, November 6, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested a Member of Parliament, Junagadh (Gujrat) in an on-going investigation for his alleged role in the conspiracy related to murder of Amit Jethwa, RTI Activist.
A case was registered by CBI on October 6, 2012 on the directions of Gujarat High Court. It was alleged that   Amit Jethwa, RTI Activist & President of Gir Nature Youth Club was shot dead on July 20, 2010 at Satyamev Complex, opposite Gujarat High Court,  Ahmedabad. An FIR No. 163/2010 of Police Station Sola was registered by the Ahmedabad Police in this connection. Investigation of the case was later transferred to the Crime Branch of Ahmedabad Police.
The Crime Branch arrested and chargesheeted six accused persons including nephew of MP of Junagadh.  However, the father of deceased approached Gujarat High Court alleging that the police did not investigate the role of MP, Junagadh & alleged his role in the crime, as Amit Jethwa was actively campaigning against the alleged illegal activities of the MP. The Gujarat High Court vide its order dated September 25, 2012 transferred further investigation of the case to CBI.
CBI took up the investigation of the case. During the course of further investigation, evidence has come on record that Amit Jethwa was collecting information through RTIs about the alleged illegal activities of the accused.  The RTI activist had alleged that he faced a threat to his life from the accused and others. On June 28, 2010, Amit Jethwa filed a PIL in the Gujarat High Court against illegal mining in the protected Gir forest area in which the accused and his nephew were impleaded as Respondents on July 6, 2010. The RTI Activist was shot dead 14 days later on July 20, 2010.
The MP was called for questioning by the CBI on November 5, 2013 and after detailed interrogation, he was arrested in the evening.
He shall be produced in the designated CBI court on November 6, 2013.
Further investigation is continuing.