In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, police in Vadodara have uncovered that the brutal murder of a 45-year-old man in Padra village was allegedly masterminded by his own teenage daughter. The 17-year-old girl, along with her 25-year-old boyfriend, is accused of plotting and executing the killing because the victim, Shana Chavda, persistently opposed their relationship and had confined her to a room.
A Grisly Plot Unfolds Over Three Days
According to Vadodara Superintendent of Police Sushil Agrawal, this was not a crime of sudden passion but a chillingly premeditated act. The girl made three separate attempts to sedate her parents over three days, starting December 16, before finally succeeding on the night of December 18. Her method was to mix sleeping pills into their food and water.
"The father used to lock his daughter and his wife, Bhavna, in a room at night and sleep outside. He was strongly opposed to the relationship, especially as his elder daughter had also married against his wishes," SP Agrawal explained, providing context to the family's strict stance.
The first two attempts failed. During the initial try, the mother found the taste of the spiked water unusual and refused to drink it. On the second night, after lacing their food, the girl made a noise to check if her parents were unconscious. Her mother woke up, forcing the conspirators to abandon their plan once again.
The Fatal Night and a Threat Realized
On the night of December 18, the girl's third attempt succeeded. After her parents fell into a deep, drug-induced sleep, she called her boyfriend, Ranjit Waghela. He arrived at the residence with a friend, 23-year-old Bhavya Vasava. While the girl watched from the window of the locked room, and her mother slept beside her, Waghela repeatedly stabbed Shana Chavda to death.
Shana's brother, Moti Chavda (50), who found the body on Friday morning, had immediately suspected Waghela's involvement. Moti informed police that Waghela had a quarrel with Shana about a fortnight ago after being seen with the minor girl. He had allegedly threatened that he would marry the girl and "would not hesitate to kill anyone in her family who came in the way."
A Troubled History and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation revealed a fraught history between the victim and the prime accused. The 17-year-old girl had eloped with Ranjit Waghela in July. Following this, Shana Chavda had lodged a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Waghela. He was arrested but later released on bail.
"While the threat initially appeared hollow, investigators later found that not only Waghela but the girl herself had been conspiring to kill her father," stated SP Agrawal, highlighting the grim turn the case took.
Police have now arrested both Ranjit Waghela and his accomplice, Bhavya Vasava. Authorities are also probing a critical aspect of the crime: how the accused procured such a large quantity of sleeping pills used in the multiple sedative attempts.
The case presents a tragic confluence of familial conflict, prohibited relationships, and extreme violence, leaving the Padra village community in a state of disbelief and sorrow.
