New Dehli: Former BJP MLA from Gujrat Jayantilal Bhanushali was shot dead by unknown assailants onboard Sayji Nagri Express between Kataria-Surbari stations, early on Tuesday.

As per the reports, Jayantilal Bhanushali was travelling on the train when he was attacked. The train- Sayji Nagri Express- had reached Morbi when the incident took place. Police have launched an investigation into the matter with the help of Railway Police.

Last year, a 21-year-old college student in Surat accused Bhanushali of raping her multiple times. After this, Bhanushali resigned from the position of the Gujarat BJP vice-president but said that the statements given to the police were an attempt to malign his image. He said that the allegation on him and his family were baseless.

He was a prominent politician in the region, Bhanushali was reportedly attacked between 12- 2 am on Monday. He had represented Abdasa assembly constituency between 2007 and 2012.

There are many reports which suggest that he was hit on his face and in the chest. His body is at Malia hospital. Police investigation is underway.