In a shocking case that stunned police and residents alike, a 17-year-old girl allegedly drugged her father and watched through a window as her lover stabbed him to death for opposing their relationship in Gujarat’s Vadodara district.
Murder initially appeared mysterious
The victim, identified as Shana Chavda, was found brutally murdered at his residence last week. What initially appeared to be a mysterious killing later unravelled as a meticulously planned crime involving his own daughter, police said.
Investigations revealed that Chavda had strongly opposed his daughter’s relationship with Ranjeet Gajendrabhai Vaghela (24). The couple had eloped in July, prompting the father to file a complaint against Ranjeet under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Ranjeet was arrested and later released on bail in August.
Sinister plan to ‘remove the obstacle’
According to the police, resentment over the opposition led the teenage girl and her lover to hatch a plan to kill her father. Officials said the girl attempted to drug her parents on December 16, but the attempt failed.
On the night of December 18, she allegedly mixed sleeping pills into their food. Once her father fell unconscious, Ranjeet and his friend Bhavya Maheshbhai Vasava (23) entered the house and stabbed him multiple times.
Police said the girl remained outside the room, watching the attack through a window until she was certain her father was dead.
Disturbing details emerge
Vadodara district police chief Sushil Agarwal said the murder had been planned for nearly three months.
“This is a love affair which the father opposed. The daughter was actively involved in planning the murder,” he said, adding that the victim reportedly used to lock his wife and daughter inside a room at night for safety, keeping the key with him.
Ranjeet, who worked at a papad-making factory, and his accomplice have been arrested. The minor girl has been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to a child protection home.
Search on for murder weapon
Police are continuing their investigation and are searching for the weapons used in the crime. Officials said further charges may be added based on forensic findings and statements recorded during interrogation.
The case has raised serious concerns over juvenile crime, relationship conflicts, and the need for counselling and intervention in family disputes before they escalate into violence.