CONTESTED 2007 ASSEMBLY POLLS

22-07-2010
CONTESTED 2007 ASSEMBLY POLLS
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

Activist Amit had more foes than friends

Amit Jethava had made more enemies than friends whether is was forest beat guards to politicians. Sources said fearing threat to his life, Jethava carried a licensed gun for protection. He had recently submitted an affidavit with the Kodinar police expressing fear for his life. His father told the police on Wednesday that ever since Jethava raised the illegal limestone mining issue, he had been apprehensive of one such attack.

The last petition filed by Amit was against illegal mining in the outskirts of Gir forest near Kodinar. As president of the Gir Nature club, a majority of his petitions and Right
to Information (RTI) applications were focused on environment issues.

Jethava had nearly 27 RTI appeals pending in the State Information Commission on issues like construction of check dams, ponds, panchayat elections, students issues, pensions and illegal mining.

Jethava, who contested assembly elections in 2007, In his affidavit had stated that there were two cases against him — an extortion case against him and impersonating a forest official to take photographs of a dead lion. In another police complaint registered in Khamba, Amreli, he had been accused of trespassing and illegal detention. He was chargesheeted in both cases.