Late-Night Tragedy in Ahmedabad Highrise Claims Two Lives
A devastating incident unfolded late Wednesday night at a highrise apartment in Ahmedabad's upscale Bodakdev area, resulting in the deaths of a young couple in what police are investigating as an accidental shooting followed by suicide. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through political and social circles as the male victim has been identified as the nephew of prominent Congress Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil.
Sequence of Events in NRI Tower Apartment
According to police officials, the incident occurred at flat A-502 on the fifth floor of NRI Tower located on Judges Bungalow Road. Yashrajsinh Gohil, 35, a Class-I officer with the Gujarat Maritime Board, allegedly fired a round from his licensed revolver that struck his wife Rajeshwari, 30, at the base of her head around 10:30 PM on Wednesday. The couple had returned home just moments earlier after having dinner at a relative's residence.
ACP (A-Division) Jitendra Brahmbhatt provided details based on the initial investigation: "Late on Wednesday, Yashrajsinh Gohil accidentally fired a round from his licensed revolver, killing his wife, Rajeshwari. Following this, the 35-year-old shot himself."
Mother's Harrowing Account of the Incident
The police report cites a detailed statement from Yashrajsinh's mother, Devyaniba, who was present in the apartment during the tragic events. According to her account:
- The couple returned home around 10:30 PM after dinner
- While in their bedroom, a bullet accidentally discharged from Yashrajsinh's licensed revolver
- The bullet struck Rajeshwari at the base of her head
- Yashrajsinh immediately rushed to his mother's room to inform her of the accident
- He requested that an ambulance be called immediately
Devyaniba told investigators that when she entered the couple's bedroom, she found Rajeshwari lying unconscious and bleeding profusely. Yashrajsinh called the 108 emergency ambulance service at 11:42 PM, and paramedics arrived shortly thereafter, declaring Rajeshwari dead at the scene.
Second Gunshot and Investigation Details
According to the mother's statement, Yashrajsinh appeared "deeply shaken" upon learning that his wife had died. He asked his mother to step away and change clothes, moments after which another gunshot was heard from the bedroom. When Devyaniba and ambulance staff rushed back inside, they found Yashrajsinh lying in a pool of blood with a bullet wound to his head. He was declared dead on the spot.
Police have ordered comprehensive forensic examinations to establish the exact sequence of events:
- Ballistic tests on the weapon involved
- Forensic examination of the crime scene
- Detailed analysis of all available evidence
Both bodies were sent to Asarwa Civil Hospital for postmortem examination. ACP Brahmbhatt emphasized: "We have recorded the statement of the deceased man's mother. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of accidental firing followed by suicide. However, since the tragedy occurred within the four walls of the house, all angles will be probed to determine whether the firing was intentional or accidental."
Family Background and Political Connections
The tragedy has drawn attention due to the family's political connections. Yashrajsinh Gohil was the nephew of Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil, who also served as former president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC). The couple had married just last November, according to police records.
Congress media convener Manish Doshi ruled out any marital discord, revealing that the couple had an appointment at the passport office on Thursday for a planned foreign trip. "They were a happy couple. Yashrajsinh had only two passions: licensed firearms and vehicles," Doshi stated, attempting to provide context to the tragic events.
Political Response and Final Rites
The tragedy prompted condolences from across political lines. Leaders from various parties visited the grieving family, including GPCC president Amit Chavda and BJP veteran Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, a former state minister. This show of solidarity across party lines highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy on Gujarat's political community.
After the postmortem procedures were completed, the bodies were transported to Limda in Bhavnagar for the final rites. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding this double tragedy that has left a family devastated and a community in mourning.
