In a shocking incident in Ahmedabad, a 45-year-old school teacher, Reena Zala, was allegedly murdered by her husband, Baldev Zala, a government school principal, after an argument during their census fieldwork. The crime came to light when Reena's partially burnt body was discovered near the Narmada Canal on the outskirts of Dholka.
Discovery of the Body
A local farmer spotted the body near the canal embankment on an isolated stretch between Chaloda and Keliyavasna villages and alerted the police. The gruesome discovery triggered a large-scale investigation involving Dholka Rural police, the surveillance squad, and Ahmedabad Rural Local Crime Branch.
Sequence of Events
According to police, the couple had left their home in Dholka on Wednesday on a scooter for census fieldwork. An argument allegedly broke out between them, after which Baldev drove towards a deserted road near the canal. Parking the scooter in a secluded area surrounded by thorny bushes, he allegedly struck Reena on the head with a stone until she died. He then siphoned petrol from his scooter, poured it over her body, and set it on fire. Police believe he intended to destroy evidence and prevent identification of the victim.
Investigation and Arrest
After the murder, Baldev returned home and told family members and neighbours that Reena had gone missing and that her mobile phone was switched off. He later approached the police to lodge a missing person's complaint. However, investigators grew suspicious while examining the couple's movements and gathering technical evidence. During questioning, Baldev broke down and admitted to killing his wife. He was arrested on Thursday.
Deputy Superintendent of Police P M Prajapati stated that the accused cited long-standing domestic disputes as the reason behind the crime. He allegedly told investigators that disagreements had become frequent and that he often felt isolated during family matters.
Legal Action
Dholka Rural police have registered a case of murder and destruction of evidence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation continues as authorities work to build a strong case against the accused.
