RAJKOT: A horrifying incident of domestic violence unfolded in Rajkot on Saturday morning when a man allegedly shot his estranged wife three times in the head before turning the weapon on himself in a tragic murder-suicide attempt.
The Fatal Morning Encounter
The incident occurred around 9 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when Lalji Ramesh Padhiyar visited the building where his wife Trusha had been living separately from him. According to police reports, Trusha had been residing with her female friend Pooja following marital disputes.
DCP (Crime) Jagdish Bangarwa of Rajkot City Police stated that Padhiyar called his wife downstairs where they engaged in a heated argument. The situation quickly escalated when Padhiyar pulled out a licensed pistol and fired three shots at Trusha's head at close range.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Response
After shooting his wife, Padhiyar immediately turned the weapon on himself, firing a fatal shot to his head. The entire incident happened in full public view, with bystanders witnessing the gruesome scene.
Trusha's brother, Jay Mukesh Rathod, who was staying at Padhiyar's home, was alerted by a neighbor about the argument. By the time Rathod reached the spot, a crowd had gathered and he discovered Padhiyar lying dead on the ground with a pistol next to his leg.
Emergency services were immediately called to the scene. Paramedics from the 108 ambulance service declared Padhiyar dead at the spot, while Trusha, miraculously still alive, was rushed to Rajkot Civil Hospital. She was later shifted to a private hospital for specialized treatment.
Background of Marital Strife
According to the FIR filed at Gandhigram police station, the couple had been experiencing marital problems for some time. The situation had deteriorated approximately one-and-a-half months ago when they fought over Trusha's alleged extramarital affair.
Following this confrontation, Trusha moved out of their marital home and began living with her friend Pooja. The tension between the couple continued to build, culminating in a late-night meeting on November 14 when Padhiyar called Rathod to his home.
The three individuals - Padhiyar, Rathod, and the couple's son - visited Pooja's house at 11 pm in an attempt to resolve the issues through discussion. However, the talks failed, and they returned to Padhiyar's residence, setting the stage for the next morning's tragedy.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Based on Rathod's complaint, an FIR has been registered against the deceased Lalji Padhiyar under multiple legal provisions. The charges include attempt to murder under the BNS section, along with violations of the Arms Act and the Gujarat Police Act.
DCP Jagdish Bangarwa confirmed that Padhiyar's body has been sent for postmortem examination, while the weapon used in the crime - a pistol along with live cartridges and bullets - has been dispatched to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis.
The investigation aims to establish the complete sequence of events and examine the licensing details of the firearm used in the crime. Police are also looking into the couple's marital history and the events leading up to the fatal confrontation.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Rajkot community, highlighting the severe consequences of unresolved domestic disputes and raising concerns about gun violence in domestic settings.
