Gujarat weekly editor shot dead in Valsad

In a shocking incident that shook journalists in South Gujarat, editor of a renowned weekly newspaper was shot dead by unidentified persons near Dungri at NH 8, late on Tuesday evening. Editor was returning home, when the incident took place. However, Shah’s driver managed to escape.

According to information, Ashok Shah, a resident of Bilimora, used to runs a weekly newspaper from Valsad known as Dakshin Gujarat Vartaman Patra and was also its editor. At around 5 pm on Tuesday, Shah along with his driver Manoj Sharma was on way to his home in a Maruti van through National Highway 8.

While crossing Dungri over bridge, two cars Innova and Alto, who were chasing them from Valsad intercepted their vehicle. A person came out of Innova and fired five rounds of bullets at them.

A bullet stuck on Shah’s forehead, while another bullet hit Sharma’s chest. Attackers fled from the scene after firing, leaving both of them in a pool of blood. Some passerby saw the duo lying in the vehicle and took them to a nearby hospital. Shah was declared brought dead, while Sharma has been shifted to Kasturba Hospital for further treatment. His condition is said to be critical.

Dungri Police rushed to the spot and started investigations. Police have sealed the borders adjoining Valsad district. Sharma told police that the person who fired bullets was a young man aged between 32-35 years and was wearing green t-shirt and blue jeans. He wore brown spectacles and covered his face with handkerchief.

Shah’s murder has shocked journalists in South Gujarat, who have condemned the incident and termed it as attack on people’s voice. They have also demanded quick probe in the matter and to nail the culprits.