The deceased man has been identified as Kishor Dhanak, while his daughter was identified as Himanshi. Police said Dhanak allegedly killed the child before hanging himself from a ceiling fan in another room. Three notes were reportedly recovered from the house, including references to financial difficulties and the decision to kill his daughter.
The incident came to light on Wednesday evening after Dhanak’s wife, Manju, who had been away from home, was unable to contact him and family members went to check on the house.
Daughter’s body found inside refrigerator
Police found Himanshi’s body inside a refrigerator at the residence. Investigators said the child had been dressed and her head covered with a dupatta or stole. Tulsi leaves were also found on her lips.
Police said the room showed signs of an unusual preparation before the deaths. According to an inspector quoted by PTI, the room had been decorated with balloons and candles, while chocolates and religious items were also found. A paper bearing the words “Happy Birthday Himanshi” was reportedly placed on the refrigerator, although it was not the girl’s birthday.
Investigators are examining the significance of the decorations and other objects found at the scene as part of the ongoing probe.
Suicide notes mention financial problems
According to the FIR and police accounts, Dhanak had written three notes before his death.
One of the notes reportedly mentioned that he had taken a personal loan and invested money in construction work. He was allegedly expecting around Rs 7.25 lakh from business associates but had not received the amount.
Another note reportedly stated that he had killed his daughter because he feared she would suffer after his death. A third note allegedly contained an apology and mentioned that he had placed the girl’s body in the refrigerator.
Police have not yet established the complete nature of Dhanak’s financial dealings or whether the Rs 7.25 lakh was money he had lent or was owed to him in connection with construction work.
Wife had been away from home
According to police reports, Manju had left for her parental home on September 14. When she returned, the house was locked.
Dhanak reportedly spoke to her over the phone and asked her to go back to her parental home, saying that he was away. On September 16, he allegedly told her that he had gone to Mahuva in neighbouring Bhavnagar district to collect money.
When he did not contact her later, Manju sent her brother to check on the house. After receiving no response, family members and neighbours became involved. The village sarpanch was subsequently informed, following which police reached the residence.
The deaths were discovered after the house was opened. Dhanak was found hanging from a ceiling fan, while the body of his daughter was found inside the refrigerator.
Police register murder case
The Savarkundla Rural Police have registered a case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with murder. The investigation is continuing.
Police are examining the suicide notes, the scene of the incident, the post-mortem findings and the family’s financial circumstances. Investigators are also trying to establish the sequence of events inside the house before Dhanak’s death.
The financial crisis has emerged as a possible factor based on the contents of the notes, but police are continuing to investigate the circumstances rather than treating the motive as conclusively established.
Investigation focuses on events before the deaths
The unusual circumstances at the house have prompted investigators to examine the events leading up to the deaths in detail.
Police found that the child had been dressed and placed inside the refrigerator along with cushions to keep her in position. Tulsi leaves, a garland and other items were also reportedly found. Investigators are examining whether Dhanak had arranged a religious or celebratory setting before killing his daughter.
The police are also looking into Dhanak’s work as a construction site supervisor and his reported financial dealings. The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged unpaid amount of Rs 7.25 lakh remain part of the investigation.
Family and village left shocked
The deaths of the father and his young daughter have left residents of Hadida village shocked. The incident has also raised questions about the circumstances that preceded the tragedy and the financial difficulties mentioned in the notes.
Police are expected to rely on forensic evidence, post-mortem reports, family statements and financial records to establish the sequence of events.
The investigation remains underway, and the final findings will depend on the evidence gathered by the Savarkundla Rural Police.