Former BJP leader was found dead with gunshot wound inside moving train, his family blames party rival.
The police said that Jayanti Bhanushali himself was also carrying a firearm but added that investigation was underway to confirm whether if it was a case of murder or suicide.
The dead body of the former BJP MLA from Abdasa was found with two bullet injuries on Sayaji Nagari Express between Bhuj and Samakhiyali around 2 am.Victim received two wounds, one on the chest and another on the forehead, indicate it was not suicide but murder, as per police.
Victim was travelling in G1 coach of Sayaji Nagari Express. The family of Bhanushali, who was travelling from Bhuj to Ahmedabad, has accused another BJP leader Chhabil Patel of the murder. Patel is also a former Abdasa MLA.
Last year Bhanushali resigned as a state vice-president after he was accused of rape. The woman who had filed the rape case against him had later withdrawn it from the Gujarat high court.
The incident also involved Patel, who had joined the BJP in 2014 after resigning as Congress MLA. The rivalry between the two came to light when Patel lost the Abdasa by-election and blamed Bhanushali for sabotaging his chances.
Patel was also arrested in connection with a rape case last year.
A thorough investigation will be conducted and strict action will be taken against those guilty Vijay Rupani reacted on the murder of Jayantilal Bhanushali onboard a train in Gujarat last night.
