Ahmedabad youth kills father in sleep, injures sisters over financial issues

In a chilling case of domestic violence and patricide, the youth allegedly murdered his father and injured his two sisters during the early hours of Friday morning in the Vadaj area of Ahmedabad. The accused, identified as Dilip Durgaram Meghwal, reportedly carried out the attack using a sharp-edged, paddle-like weapon while the family was asleep.

The deceased has been identified as Durgaram Ugaram Meghwal, a local businessman who ran a gram and pulse shop in partnership with his brother. The complaint was lodged by the victim’s younger son Nikhilbhai Meghwal, who narrated the horrific sequence of events to the police.

Attack during sleep

According to the FIR, at approximately 5 am on June 27, Durgaram was asleep on the upper floor of their residence in Rampratapnagar Society, when Dilip, who shared the sleeping area, allegedly attacked him with a weapon fashioned from a sharpened paddle. The father sustained multiple stab wounds to his abdomen, chest, back, and arms.

Alarmed by his cries for help, family members, including Durgaram’s wife and younger son, rushed to the scene. In a desperate attempt to protect their father, Tarunaben, the younger daughter, tried to intervene, but the accused allegedly stabbed her near the left eyebrow, inflicting serious injuries. Lataben, the elder sister, was also reportedly assaulted and injured on the head after the accused allegedly pulled her hair and struck her.

Victim declared dead, sister hospitalised

Upon receiving an emergency call, an ambulance from 108 arrived at the scene. Durgaram was declared dead on arrival, while Tarunaben was rushed to Sola Civil Hospital via another ambulance for further treatment. Lataben’s injuries were treated at a private hospital before she, too, was shifted to Sola Civil for evaluation.

The accused was reportedly still at the scene, standing on the balcony, when Vadaj police arrived and took him into custody.

Family tensions and financial strain led to violence

In his complaint, Nikhilbhai detailed a history of frequent quarrels between Dilip and his father, mainly centred around financial disagreements. The accused, who had reportedly failed multiple times while studying mechanical engineering in Jaipur, had only recently started a job at Jay Ambe Gruh Udyog in Naranpura with a salary of ₹10,000. His consistent demands for money, coupled with his father’s refusal to provide it, are believed to have fuelled the fatal rage.

Nikhil also noted that Dilip had previously been reprimanded by his father, which may have acted as a trigger for the attack. The father had beaten him earlier to control his behaviour. 

Police action and case details

The police have registered the case under relevant sections of the BNS, including murder and attempt to murder, as well as violations of arms-related provisions, as Dilip allegedly crafted and used a prohibited sharp weapon in a premeditated act.

Statements from key witnesses, including family members and neighbours, have been recorded, and the accused is being questioned in custody.

The weapon used in the crime has been recovered. Further forensic and crime scene analysis is underway.

Joint family devastated by tragedy

The Meghwal family, known in the neighbourhood for their small business, is said to be in complete shock. Their relative, Sukhiyaben, who had been visiting from Rajasthan for medical treatment and was staying with the family, also witnessed the aftermath.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the area, underlining the dangers of unresolved mental health issues, domestic disputes, and the pressures of financial instability among youth.

Authorities have assured a thorough and impartial probe, and counselling support has been offered to the surviving family members.The investigation is ongoing.