A shocking incident of violence unfolded at the Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) campus on Tuesday evening, resulting in the brutal murder of a 35-year-old agricultural labourer. The victim, identified as Dipak Chaudhary, was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a security guard following a heated argument over his entry time at the campus gate.
Dispute Over Entry Time Turns Deadly
According to police reports, the tragic sequence of events began when Chaudhary, a native of Tapi district, returned to the campus with his elderly parents after a visit to a nearby market. The family, all employed at Farm 3 of the university's agriculture college, lived on the campus. Upon their return, an argument erupted with the on-duty security guard, Gaurav Patel.
The dispute reportedly escalated when Patel objected to the few extra minutes Chaudhary took to return. The guard allegedly denied him entry, leading to a quarrel. In a fit of rage, Patel is accused of pulling out a sharp-edged weapon and stabbing Chaudhary eight times. The attack targeted vital areas including his chest, head, hands, and back.
Victim Succumbs Before Help Arrives
The assault was so severe that Dipak Chaudhary died on the spot before the 108 emergency medical services could reach the location. His parents, Suman (62) and Sumitra (60), witnessed the horrifying attack. Following the murder, the accused security guard, Gaurav Patel, a resident of Aat village in Jalalpore, fled from the campus.
Initial investigations by the Jalalpore police have revealed a disturbing pattern. Patel, who had been posted at the Farm 3 gate for just a month, allegedly had a history of harassing labourers over entry timings. He was known to frequently threaten workers that he would lock the gate and deny them entry if they returned late from their breaks.
Police Investigation Underway
An official investigation has been initiated by Jalalpore police inspector D D Ladumor. The case was registered based on a formal complaint filed by the victim's brother, Pankaj. Authorities are now searching for the absconding accused, Gaurav Patel, who remains at large.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the university campus and the local community, raising serious questions about security protocols and the conduct of personnel entrusted with safety. The Navsari Agricultural University administration has yet to issue an official statement regarding the security lapse and the events leading to the murder of a campus employee.
