A shocking murder case has emerged from Gujarat, where a woman was allegedly lured, drugged, strangled, and her body burned by a couple and their accomplices over a financial dispute.
The victim, Shantiben, wife of businessman Vasant Akediwala, had reportedly lent 79 tolas of gold (nearly 1 kilogram) and ₹2 lakh in cash to Rekha Rathod for her furniture business and animal husbandry activities. When Rekha was unable to repay the amount, she, along with her husband, allegedly planned the murder to avoid returning the debt.
The incident took place on the night of March 23, when Shantiben left her home to buy milk but did not return. Concerned family members initially searched nearby areas and, when no trace of her was found, her son filed a missing persons complaint, prompting a police investigation.
During the probe, authorities examined CCTV footage and location data, which revealed that Shantiben had entered a furniture shop in the Hanuman Tekri area owned by Rekha Rathod. However, she was not seen exiting the premises, raising suspicion. Police then brought Rekha in for questioning.
Interrogation revealed that Rekha had close ties with the victim’s family and was treated like a relative. Over time, she had borrowed substantial amounts of gold and cash. When Shantiben began pressing for repayment, Rekha allegedly conspired with her husband and two associates to eliminate her.
According to investigators, Rekha called Shantiben to her shop under the pretext of returning the borrowed items. She allegedly mixed sedatives into prasad and gave it to the victim. After Shantiben lost consciousness, Rekha and her husband strangled her with a wire.
To dispose of the body, the couple enlisted two accomplices. However, failing to find a sufficiently isolated location, they allegedly burned the body in the basement of a tractor showroom in a deserted area.
Police have arrested Rekha Rathod and her husband, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining two accused. Further investigation into the case is underway.
