Godmother’s daughter-in-law killed

RAJKOT: Rekha Kandhal Jadeja, the daughter-in-law of former Gujarat MLA Santokben Jadeja, was shot dead by assailants at her residence at Kalavad Road here on Saturday, police said.

Rekha, 32, was attacked by four assailants at 6:45 am and rushed to Gondia Hospital, where she was declared brought dead, police said adding that at least 10 rounds of bullets were fired at her.

According to primary investigations, the attack was a fallout of gang rivalry and targeted at Santokben, the 'Godmother', on whose life a film of the same name was made,
police said.

Santokben's two sons, Karan and Kandhal are serving sentences on charges of killing former BJP councilor, Keshu Nebha.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the assailants and security has been stepped up on highways and and check-posts to nab the culprits. Santokben became a 'Godmother' and entered into politics after her husband Sarman Munja was killed in gang rivalry in 1980. She has also been jailed in several cases.

In her absence, Rekha used to handle the family business, police said adding that the family had stayed in Rajkot for the past 18 years.