Fatal Trap Laid Over Inter-Family Hostility

BANASKANTHA — In a brutal reminder of deeply entrenched social prejudices, an 18-year-old man was allegedly poisoned and strangled to death in Gujarat's Banaskantha district over a two-year romantic relationship. Local law enforcement has formally registered a murder case following the gruesome incident near the Swaroop Patiya area.

The victim, identified as Ashok Bhagabhai Thakor, was allegedly lured to a secluded farm shed where the perpetrators executed a premeditated plot. According to preliminary police findings, the primary suspects—Mahesh Karshanbhai Thakor and Kiran Johabhai Thakor—harbored deep hostility toward the teenager due to his relationship with Mahesh Thakor's sister.

Methodical Execution and Cover-Up Attempt

Investigators revealed that the accused laid a deliberate trap on October 21. The perpetrators allegedly laced a quantity of liquor with heavy sedative tablets, compelling Ashok to consume the intoxicating mixture. Once the powerful narcotics rendered the teenager defenseless, the attackers strangled him inside the structure.

In a calculated attempt to deflect suspicion and mislead investigators, the killers suspended Ashok's lifeless body from the roof structure of the shed using a shirt, desperately attempting to frame the murder as a suicide.

Family Intervention and Police Investigation

Despite the elaborate cover-up, the victim's relatives managed to track him down to the scene. They immediately rushed the teenager to a government hospital in Vav, where attending medical professionals pronounced him dead on arrival. Hospital authorities promptly alerted local law enforcement regarding suspicious marks and circumstances surrounding the death.

The Vav police station has initiated a comprehensive investigation. Forensic teams have thoroughly scoured the crime scene near Swaroop Patiya, recovering crucial physical evidence. Police squads are actively pursuing the absconding suspects, while authorities await the final post-mortem report to officially establish the exact timeline and cause of death.

Reported exclusively by Gaurav Sen for Daily News 365.