Ahmedabad techie murders society helper over long-standing dispute
A 55-year-old man was bludgeoned to death inside a residential complex in Ahmedabad in the early hours of Wednesday. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood in the parking area with severe head injuries.
A 25-year-old engineer has been arrested for murdering a 55-year-old man in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Wednesday, with police saying the attack was driven by long-standing grievances over the victim’s behaviour.
The victim, identified as Kanji Chauhan, had been living in a parking space in front of the accused’s residence for nearly 30 years and reportedly did small chores for residents of the apartment complex.
Police said that the victim was attacked around 2 am by the accused, Ritvij Jethmalani. The incident came to light when a security guard noticed the body in the parking area, sparking panic among residents.
The building secretary immediately informed emergency services and the police. Chauhan was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Police subsequently examined CCTV footage, while forensic teams and a dog squad were deployed to assist the investigation.
According to police, the victim was allegedly involved in inappropriate conduct in common areas, including bathing in the open and using a bathroom without closing the door, despite repeated objections. Investigators said this had led to growing resentment among residents.
During the investigation, CCTV footage reportedly showed a young man carrying a bag near the scene around 2 am, later identified as Ritvij Jethmalani, a resident of the same housing complex.
A sniffer dog also assisted in the probe, leading investigators towards the accused’s residence and helping narrow down the suspect.
After being taken into custody, the 25-year-old engineer confessed during police interrogation.
ACP HM Kansagara said the accused told investigators he had been disturbed for a long time by Chauhan’s behaviour.
Ritvij allegedly admitted to striking Chauhan on the head multiple times, resulting in his death.
The accused, a computer engineering graduate, works as an education consultant, as does his father.
Family members of the accused said they had also been troubled by the victim’s behaviour for a long time, but did not support the violence.
They claimed that complaints had earlier been made to police and other residents had raised concerns, but no effective action was taken.
Police have arrested the accused and said further investigation is underway.