Gujarat HC orders CBI probe in RTI activist's death

In a further blow to the Gujarat Police, the High Court on Tuesday ordered for a CBI probe into the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethwa, allegedly killed at the behest of land and mining mafia in July 2010 at the High Court premises.

Jethwa was at the forefront of exposing illegal mining and land encroachments in and around the famous Gir Sanctuary, home to the Asiatic lions. He was shot dead from a close range in the HC campus where he was following up on his petition filed against BJP MP from Junagadh Dinu Solanki.The crime branch, which had carried out the initial investigations, arrested about half a dozen people including Solanki’s nephew Shiva Solanki for hiring contract killers.

Curiously, the crime branch had given a clean chit to the BJP MP. Dissatisfied with the probe, Jethwa’s family approached the HC demanding an independent investigation by the CBI. 

Family’s council Anand Yagnik said, “The court, while directing a CBI probe, expressed dissatisfaction over the investigation carried out by the crime branch and has ordered appointment of a special officer by the state police.”