2022 Kosamba Triple Murder Cracked: Couple Allegedly Killed Three Women Over Property, Cash

A couple allegedly killed three women in separate incidents in 2022 at Kosamba in Surat district to escape the responsibility of caring for a paralysed family member and allegedly take possession of houses, cash and valuables, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch said after solving the four-year-old triple murder case.

The Crime Branch arrested Madhavdas Bhaktiram Sadhu and his wife, Urmila alias Jaya, after an investigation into the murder of elderly woman Shantaben Gambhirbhai Vasava. According to police, Madhavdas had approached the Crime Branch with information accusing his estranged wife and her cousin of Shantaben's murder. However, investigators found the cousin to be innocent and subsequently questioned Madhavdas, leading to the alleged conspiracy being uncovered.

Husband allegedly tried to frame wife and brother-in-law

According to the Crime Branch, Madhavdas and Urmila had been living separately for around eight months. Police said Madhavdas was allegedly angry with Urmila after she left with their son, cash and jewellery.

Investigators said he subsequently provided false information to the Crime Branch, allegedly accusing Urmila and her cousin of involvement in Shantaben's murder in an attempt to implicate them.

After the cousin was detained and questioned, investigators reportedly found inconsistencies in the allegations. Suspicion then turned towards Madhavdas, who was subjected to further questioning.

Paralysed mother allegedly killed first

During questioning, police allegedly found that Madhavdas' mother, Manjulaben Bhaktiram Sadhu, was paralysed and required daily care.

According to the Crime Branch, the couple allegedly decided to kill her to escape the responsibility of looking after her. Police said the two allegedly suffocated Manjulaben by pressing a pillow over her face and subsequently cremated her.

TB-stricken granddaughter allegedly killed over property

Investigators further alleged that the couple later targeted Bhagwati Kamleshbhai Vasava, Shantaben's granddaughter, who was living with her and was suffering from tuberculosis.

Police said Bhagwati was allegedly suffocated with a pillow and her body was buried. The Crime Branch suspects the killing was linked to the couple's alleged intention to gain control of Shantaben's properties, cash and jewellery.

Elderly woman allegedly killed, body hidden in barrel

The investigation also revealed details surrounding Shantaben's death, according to police.

The Crime Branch alleged that after killing Shantaben, the couple placed her body inside a barrel, filled it with cement and buried it in a pit in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The Crime Branch said the couple's alleged motive was to get rid of caregiving responsibilities and gain possession of property and valuables.

Police have initiated further investigation into the triple murder case and are verifying the circumstances surrounding all three deaths and the evidence collected against the accused.