Katargam police in Surat have taken swift action in a shocking murder case. They have officially booked six individuals and arrested three of them for the killing of local builder Vipul Mandani. The investigation reveals a tragic motive rooted in personal relationships.
Arrests Made in Builder Murder Case
On Tuesday, police arrested three suspects: Ashwin Solanki, Hitesh Solanki, and Praful Solanki. A court granted one-day police custody for these individuals, allowing authorities to continue their probe. Apart from these arrests, police have also filed charges against Ajay Solanki, Pravin Solanki, and Kuldeep Patel. Notably, five of the six accused are cousins, highlighting family involvement in the crime.
Motive Behind the Killing
The murder stems from an alleged affair between Vipul Mandani and the wife of main accused Ajay Solanki. Police sources indicate that Ajay Solanki discovered this relationship and confronted Mandani, demanding an end to it. Despite warnings, Mandani reportedly continued contacting Solanki's wife, escalating tensions.
On Monday afternoon, the situation reached a violent climax. Mandani called Ajay Solanki, informing him he was coming to his society. Solanki, along with his relatives, waited at a pan shop near the society entrance. As Mandani arrived, Ajay Solanki allegedly attacked him with a knife while others assisted in the assault. The group fled immediately after the incident, leaving Mandani fatally wounded.
Attempts to Cover Up the Crime
Following the murder, Ashwin and Hitesh Solanki sought refuge at Praful Solanki's house. Praful, who works as an advocate, was informed that the society's CCTV system might have captured the crime. He allegedly helped them steal the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) containing the footage. Praful also guided others in hiding the evidence, complicating the initial investigation.
Background of the Relationship
Reports suggest that Mandani and Ajay Solanki's wife first connected a few months ago through social media. Their relationship reportedly intensified over time, leading to confrontations and ultimately violence on Monday. The affair allegedly played a central role in triggering the fatal attack.
Police Investigation Progress
Katargam police have been actively pursuing the case. After making the arrests, they conducted a crime scene reconstruction in the presence of local residents. This step aims to gather additional evidence and clarify the sequence of events. The police continue to investigate the roles of all accused, focusing on building a strong case for prosecution.
The community in Surat remains shaken by this incident, which underscores how personal disputes can turn deadly. Authorities emphasize their commitment to ensuring justice for Vipul Mandani and his family.
