Ahmedabad: Newlywed Businessman Found Dead in Narmada Canal, Four Persons Booked for Abetment of Suicide
In a tragic incident that has shocked the local community, a 25-year-old man was found dead in the Narmada canal near Raipur village in Gandhinagar district, just thirteen days after his wedding. The victim, identified as Rishabh Patel, a resident of Sughad who was handling his family's construction business, had gone missing under mysterious circumstances, leading to a frantic search by his family.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation
Rishabh Patel was reported missing on Sunday, January 25, after he left home following lunch, stating he was heading to a construction site in Karai. However, his family later discovered he had actually gone to collect his car from a service centre in Naroda. By evening, his phone was switched off, prompting an all-night search by relatives and friends.
The search intensified, and on Monday, the family traced his car parked near "Bahuchar Pan Parlour" in Raipur village. The pan parlour operator informed them that a man had arrived in the car around 8.30 pm on Sunday, exited the vehicle, and walked towards the canal, never to return. The car was found unlocked with the keys still inside, raising immediate concerns.
Recovery of Suicide Note and Police Action
Inside the car, the family made a chilling discovery: two handwritten pages in red ink, which were identified as Rishabh's suicide note. The note detailed allegations of sustained harassment, threats, and physical assault by four individuals over the past few days. Rishabh explicitly stated that their actions had driven him to take the extreme step of ending his life.
Based on the contents of this suicide note, the Infocity police registered an FIR and launched an investigation. The body was recovered from the Narmada canal on Wednesday, January 28, confirming the worst fears of the family.
Accused Identified and Charges Filed
The police have booked four persons in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Kalpesh Patel of Koba, Manish Patel, Kishal Patel — both residents of Nana Chiloda — and Mahipalsinh Tajulsinh, who owns the pan parlour in Nana Chiloda. The charges against them include abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt, and criminal intimidation.
The complaint was formally lodged by Rishabh's father, Pravin Patel, who is devastated by the loss of his son so soon after his wedding on January 12.
Contents of the Suicide Note and Emotional Appeal
The suicide note revealed harrowing details of the alleged harassment. Rishabh mentioned that the accused had assaulted him in a market place just a day before he went missing. In a separate line addressed to his wife, Heli, he wrote, "your own people forced me to commit suicide," and urged that those responsible be punished. This emotional appeal underscores the depth of his despair and the pressure he faced.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Police officials have seized the suicide note as crucial evidence and are continuing their investigation into the matter. They have indicated that further charges may be added as the probe progresses, depending on the findings. The case highlights serious issues of harassment and mental health, raising questions about community support and legal protection for victims.
The incident has left the local area in mourning, with many calling for justice and stricter enforcement of laws against such crimes. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic death.
