A late-night argument between two caterers stemming from their business rivalry culminated in a brutal killing in the heart of Vadodara. The incident occurred in Dandia Bazaar late on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the old city.
Details of the Incident
The victim, Babusinh Chauhan, 49, and the accused, Hiren Thakkar, both worked in the catering business. Raopura police registered a murder case and arrested Thakkar on Friday. According to police, Chauhan and Thakkar were part of a group of friends who gathered in the area and went to a restaurant for dinner. During the meal, an argument broke out between the two.
“They are in the same business, so there was some rivalry. While having dinner, they argued over whose business was better. Friends intervened, after which both left,” said D J Patel, inspector, Raopura police.
Escalation After Dinner
Police said the argument continued over the phone later in the night, after which Chauhan drove towards Thakkar’s house in Dandia Bazaar. “This time, Thakkar rushed at Chauhan and stabbed him in the chest with a knife. Chauhan got into his car and sped away,” Patel told TOI.
Bleeding heavily, Chauhan lost control of the vehicle, and it slammed into an electric pole near Ramway Plaza. Passersby saw him sprawled inside the car around 2 am and alerted police.
Family Learns of Incident
Meanwhile, Chauhan’s wife, Rupa, learned about the incident after her daughter received WhatsApp messages and photographs of the damaged car from a friend. Rupa told police that she had spoken to Chauhan around midnight, when he said he had argued with Thakkar before disconnecting the call.
Accused's Criminal Background
Police said Thakkar is a history-sheeter with seven offences registered against him in the city for prohibition and gambling violations.
Former Cricketer Present
A former Baroda cricketer was also at the dinner gathering where Chauhan and Thakkar got into an argument. When asked whether the group had consumed alcohol, police said it was subject to investigation and had not yet been ascertained.
