Surat Forest Officer Murder Case Takes New Turn as Accused's Family Seeks Benefits
In a startling development that has added fresh complexity to the murder investigation of range forest officer Sonal Solanki, the parents of her husband Nikunj Goswami—the prime accused in the case—have formally approached the forest department seeking her death benefits and related entitlements. This unexpected move has ignited a fierce family dispute over both financial compensation and the custody of the couple's young son.
Legal Maneuvering Over Death Benefits
According to officials within the forest department, Goswami's parents submitted a detailed application claiming Solanki's death benefits. In a parallel legal action, they also filed a Right to Information (RTI) application seeking comprehensive details about the specific benefits available. Their stated objective is to ensure that no other potential claimant receives the financial payout intended for the family.
The Goswami family has asserted that their claim is being made specifically on behalf of the couple's five-year-old son, whom they describe as the legal heir. Kantigiri Goswami, the father of the accused, confirmed these actions to media, stating, "I have applied for Sonal's death benefits and the request is pending with the forest department. We oppose the payout to any other person since Nikunj's son is the legal heir, and we are legally eligible to have his custody as grandparents."
Solanki Family's Strong Opposition
The Solanki family has responded with vehement opposition to these developments. They currently have custody of the five-year-old boy and have expressed deep concerns about his future welfare. Hardik Solanki, the victim's brother, articulated the family's position with emotional intensity, questioning the motives behind the Goswami family's sudden interest.
"Where were they when Nikunj killed my sister? Now they want her death benefits in the name of the child who is living with us," Hardik stated. "Their son killed my sister and now his parents want custody of the boy. Is there any guarantee that nothing wrong will happen to Sonal's son?"
According to the Solanki family, the child has been living with them since he was just six months old. They explain that Solanki frequently left her son in their care during her work assignments, establishing what they describe as a stable and nurturing environment for the child.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The case centers on the brutal murder of Sonal Solanki, who was shot at point-blank range on November 6 near Jokha village on the outskirts of Surat. At the time of the attack, she was driving her car with her five-year-old son as a passenger, reportedly on her way to drop him at school. Following the shooting, the vehicle crashed into a tree, initially leading investigators to suspect a routine traffic accident.
However, subsequent medical examination revealed the shocking truth: Solanki had been fatally shot. The investigation quickly identified her husband, Nikunj Goswami—an inspector with the Regional Transport Office (RTO)—as the prime suspect. He is currently in jail and facing trial for allegedly orchestrating the murder, with Ishwarpuri Goswami identified as the alleged accomplice who carried out the shooting.
Escalating Legal Battle Over Custody
The conflict has now expanded beyond the death benefits to include a looming custody battle. The Goswami family has indicated they may soon approach a court seeking legal custody of their grandson, while the Solanki family has declared they will vigorously oppose any such legal action.
Hardik Solanki emphasized that no one from the Goswami family has contacted them regarding custody arrangements and that they have no intention of relinquishing care of the child. In response to the Goswami family's application for death benefits, the Solanki family has submitted their own application for the same benefits, aiming to secure the child's future through their guardianship.
Departmental Surprise and Ongoing Investigation
A forest department officer confirmed receiving the application from Goswami's parents, noting that the move has surprised many within the department given the circumstances of the case. The department now faces the delicate task of navigating these competing claims while the criminal investigation and trial continue to unfold.
The case continues to develop as both families prepare for potential legal confrontations over both financial compensation and the welfare of the young child caught in the middle of this tragic family dispute.
