Auto driver stabbed to death near Tragad underbridge in Ahmedabad, 3 held for revenge killing

A 50-year-old autorickshaw driver was brutally stabbed to death near the Tragad underbridge in Ahmedabad’s Chandkheda area on Thursday night in what police are now calling a revenge killing. The victim, identified as Motibhai Nathabhai Bhati, was found with multiple stab wounds and partially charred injuries. Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder.

According to police, the attack was allegedly motivated by Bhati’s continued harassment of a woman named Ganga Makwana (Marwadi) who lived in his neighbourhood, despite her repeated rejections and a formal complaint lodged against him. The arrested accused have been identified as Ramesh Marwadi, Kamlesh Chauhan, and Kishan, one of whom is the nephew of Ganga, who had earlier approached police seeking protection from Bhati.

What exactly happened

According to police, the complaint was filed by Bhati’s wife, Laliben Motibhai Bhati (45), and the murder occurred around 9.30 pm on July 10. Motibhai, a resident of Ramdevnagar village and an autorickshaw driver, had left home around 6 pm to ferry passengers in and around ISKCON, a routine he followed daily.

That evening, Laliben was at home with her children when her elder daughter, Meena, rushed over from her in-laws’ house to inform the family that something had happened to Motibhai. Soon after, a relative confirmed that Motibhai’s body had been found near the Tragad underbridge.

When the family arrived at the scene, they found Motibhai lying beside the service road, bearing stab wounds to his chest, abdomen and arm, along with burn injuries.

Motive uncovered

Initially, the motive was unclear, and police registered a case of murder against unknown persons. However, further investigation revealed that the killing was allegedly a planned act of revenge.

According to police sources, Bhati had been harassing his neighbour Ganga and had attempted to force a relationship with her. Ganga had approached the Satellite police station to file a formal complaint and submit an application regarding Bhati’s behaviour. Despite this, the harassment continued, prompting Ganga to confide in her nephew Ramesh Marwadi.

Enraged, Ramesh decided to “teach Bhati a lesson” and called his associates Kamlesh and Kishan from the Nobernagar area. The trio conducted a recce and identified Bhati’s regular auto stand near the Iskcon temple. On Thursday evening, posing as customers, the three boarded Bhati’s autorickshaw and agreed to a fare of Rs 200. As the rickshaw approached the service road near Hillock Hotel, they asked him to stop the vehicle.

An argument reportedly broke out as the men confronted Bhati over his harassment of the woman. In the heat of the moment, Ramesh allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Bhati multiple times. Preliminary interrogation suggests that while Ramesh initially told his accomplices they were going to beat Bhati, he later revealed his actual intent to kill him during the ride.

Arrests and investigations

Following the incident, Chandkheda police launched an investigation. Forensic teams were dispatched to the scene, and statements were collected from eyewitnesses and family members. CCTV footage reviewed that the trio approached Bhati near the Iskcon temple as customers and boarded the auto.

A senior police officer confirmed that they have arrested Ganga, Ramesh and Kamlesh on Friday and are currently in custody. Kishan is still absconding and is being searched for.

Bharatkumar Rathod, DCP Zone-2, stated, “The murder was a planned act disguised as spontaneous violence. We are now verifying the woman’s earlier complaint and collecting additional evidence.”

“When the crime was happening, Ganga was in contact with Ramesh through the phone and knew exactly what he was going to do. All three accused were arrested from their respective homes only,” Rathod added.