Witness Killings in Botad Spark Outrage as Victim's Wife Attempts Suicide at Police Station
A deeply troubling incident unfolded in Botad, Gujarat, on Monday when the wife of a recently murdered key witness attempted suicide inside a police station. She alleged that she was threatened and denied protection, intensifying fears over a disturbing pattern of witness killings in the region. This event has cast a harsh spotlight on police responsiveness and the safety of vulnerable individuals involved in legal cases.
Chain of Killings Over Seven Years
Sanjay Vaghela, a crucial witness in an earlier murder case, was found dead on March 23, marking the third victim in a series of linked killings spanning seven years. His family reported being threatened by community members after demanding action against what they claim are the real culprits behind his murder. According to family statements, two accused surrendered in connection with Vaghela's killing, but they allege these individuals are not the actual perpetrators and that the true offenders are being shielded.
The situation escalated when Vaghela's family visited the Botad Superintendent of Police office, where they encountered two men who allegedly abused them with caste slurs and issued death threats. They hurled caste abuses and threatened to kill us. We immediately approached the police, stated Vaghela's brother. Despite their efforts, the family claims that when they went to the police station on Monday to lodge a formal complaint, they were told only an application would be accepted, and no First Information Report would be registered. We even asked police to check CCTV footage, but no action was taken, he added.
Suicide Attempt and Medical Aftermath
Amid mounting pressure and alleged police inaction, Vaghela's wife attempted suicide inside the police station. She reportedly banged her head and tried to strangle herself with her sari, causing panic among those present. She was rushed for medical treatment and discharged on Tuesday, with family members noting she suffered from throat swelling and a minor brain hemorrhage. This desperate act underscores the severe emotional and psychological toll on the victims' families.
Historical Context of the Killings
The case has drawn significant attention due to a troubling sequence of events that began with the murder of Manji Solanki, husband of the sarpanch of Jalila village in Ranpur taluka, on June 19, 2019. Police reports indicate that Solanki was riding a motorcycle on the Barwala-Ranpur highway when a car rammed into him, followed by an assault by a group armed with iron pipes and sticks. He sustained serious injuries and died during treatment in Ahmedabad, leading to an FIR against six accused.
Rajesh Makwana later became a witness in Solanki's case but was murdered on September 6, 2023. Sanjay Vaghela, who witnessed Makwana's killing, was found murdered last Monday. Notably, all three victims belonged to the Dalit community, prompting police to investigate whether this constitutes a chain of targeted eliminations based on caste and witness status.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
While police have registered a murder case in Vaghela's death and arrested suspects, the family continues to allege that the investigation is incomplete and biased. On Wednesday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Maharshi Raval informed that two accused named in the FIR were arrested earlier, with two more recently apprehended in the Sanjay Vaghela murder case. The murder took place due to some petty dispute and investigation is ongoing in the case, said Raval, asserting that a fair investigation is being conducted into the family's allegations.
However, skepticism remains high as the community and observers question the thoroughness of these probes, especially given the historical context and the recent suicide attempt. The incident raises critical issues about witness protection, police accountability, and the broader implications for justice in cases involving marginalized groups.
