Jayanti Bhanushali murder case: Chhabil Patel arrested at Ahmedabad airport

Former BJP leader Chhabil Patel, main accused in the murder of former MLA Jayanti Bhanushali, surrendered before the CID on Thursday as he landed at Ahmedabad International Airport at around 3.30 am.

"Patel was arrested as he arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai," said Director General of Police (CID-Crime) Ashish Bhatia, adding the politician had conveyed his intention to surrender to the police via his relatives.

Patel had flown to Muscat on January 2, allegedly after planning rival Bhanushali's murder. He was shot dead on January 7 on Sayaji Nagari Express train by two contract shooters. Both leaders had been accused of rape, and each blamed the other for the accusation.

Police tracked Patel, who is said to have fled to New Jersey from the Gulf country, only to circle back to Dubai and land in Ahmedabad.

"After constant pressure from police, and after his nephew and son got arrested, Patel got ready to surrender," said DGP Bhatia. The SIT produced Patel before a Bhuj court, requesting remand.

The CID had earlier arrested five persons — Patel's son Siddharth, two sharp shooters and two caretakers of Patel's farmhouse in Kutch.