Bhavnagar Wedding Day Turns to Tragedy: Bride Murdered Hours Before Ceremony
A day of celebration turned into unimaginable horror for a family in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district. Bride-to-be Soni Himmat Rathod, 22, was brutally murdered inside her own home on the morning of her wedding, Saturday, November 15, 2025. The prime suspect is her fiancé, Sajan Khagna Baraiya, 26, who is currently evading police capture.
The Fatal Morning Altercation
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police R R Singhal of the Bhavnagar City Division Police, the incident occurred at the Rathod family residence near Prabhudas Talav. In the early hours of Saturday, Sajan allegedly stormed into the house where Soni was staying. What began as a heated argument over money and the Panetar (a traditional Gujarati bridal dress) quickly spiraled into extreme violence.
The police report states that the argument escalated to a point where Sajan grabbed an iron rod or pipe. He then allegedly struck Soni multiple times with the weapon. The attack was so violent that he also rammed her head against a wall. The commotion woke other family members, who rushed to the scene only to find Soni dead. The accused fled the location immediately after committing the crime.
A Relationship Marred by Conflict
Police officials provided background on the couple's relationship, revealing underlying tensions. Soni and Sajan had been in a relationship for approximately one and a half years, a situation that was reportedly not initially approved by their families. However, after community intervention, both families consented to the union and the wedding was officially set for November 15, 2025.
Some pre-wedding rituals had already been completed on Friday. Following tradition, Soni had returned to her maternal home in preparation for the wedding ceremony. It was at this home that the fatal confrontation took place just hours before she was to be married.
Police Investigation and Manhunt Underway
Upon discovering Soni's body, the distraught family contacted the police control room. A team from the Gangajaliya police station quickly arrived at the crime scene. Soni's body was sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have revealed that the accused, Sajan Baraiya, is not new to legal troubles. DySP Singhal confirmed that Sajan has been previously booked in several criminal cases, including serious charges like attempt to murder, loot, and assault. A massive manhunt involving the Gangajaliya police and the Local Crime Branch is currently underway to locate and arrest the fugitive groom. An FIR is in the process of being formally registered at the Gangajaliya police station.
